BEETROOT
Beetroot is one of the staples of the summer kitchen, its earthy flavour popular with many. These days it comes in a number of striking colours and different shapes, so offers a visual feast too!
SEEDS AND SOWING
Seeds usually come asdirect into soil outside from March onwards (better under a cloche initially) 2.5cm (1in) deep, 10cm (4in) apart with rows 30cm (12in) apart. Alternatively, start them offunder cover (cold frame, cloche, greenhouse or polytunnel) in modular cell trays filled with multipurpose compost.