Skip to main content
Free Shipping on AUS Order over $250
  • Contact Us
  • 1300 109 562
  • Available 7 days a week 8am-5pm AEST
The Organic Garden Co
0
  • Raised Garden Beds
    • Shop All Raised Garden Beds
      • L Shaped Garden Beds
      • Square Shaped Raised Beds
      • Kids Garden Beds
    • Shop By Colour
      • Zincalume
      • Monument
      • Surfmist
      • Woodland Grey
      • Pale Eucalypt
      • Blue
      • Red
  • Chicken Coops
  • Assembly Guides
  • Gardening Tips
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
The Organic Garden Co
0
  • Raised Garden Beds
    • Shop All Raised Garden Beds
      • L Shaped Garden Beds
      • Square Shaped Raised Beds
      • Kids Garden Beds
    • Shop By Colour
      • Zincalume
      • Monument
      • Surfmist
      • Woodland Grey
      • Pale Eucalypt
      • Blue
      • Red
  • Chicken Coops
  • Assembly Guides
  • Gardening Tips
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Home
  • Helpful Tips For Your Garden
  • How to grow beetroot: A beginner-friendly guide

How to grow beetroot: A beginner-friendly guide

30 May 2025 

beetroot

Beetroot is one of the easiest root crops to grow at home, and it’s as nutritious as it is versatile. Whether you want to roast it, juice it, or grate it fresh into salads, growing beetroot gives you a continuous harvest of tasty roots and leafy greens year-round in many parts of Australia.

If you're wondering how to grow beetroot successfully, this guide covers everything from sowing seeds to harvesting and troubleshooting your beetroot plants.
 

What are the health benefits of beetroot? 

beetroot salad

Beetroot contains essential nutrients like folate, fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. It supports healthy blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and boosts stamina. The root and beetroot leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, making it one of the most valuable crops you can plant in your garden.
 

How to grow beetroot at home

fresh beetroot from the garden

Beetroot is a fantastic choice if you're new to gardening or simply want a low-fuss crop that delivers great results. It grows well in most Australian climates, doesn’t take up much space, and can be planted throughout the year. Whether planting in raised garden beds, pots, or directly into the ground, a few basic supplies and some simple growing beetroot tips are all you need to get started.
 

What you’ll need 

  • Beetroot seeds (available at most nurseries or garden centres)
     
  • Quality potting mix or well-prepared soil rich in organic matter
     
  • Raised garden beds or containers with good drainage
     
  • Liquid fertiliser high in potassium (such as liquid potash)
     
  • Watering can or hose with a fine spray setting
     
  • Optional but helpful: shade cloth (for hot climates or summer sowing) and companion plants like lettuce, onions, or spinach to support healthy growth.
     

Instructions

  1. Prepare your soil: Beets prefer loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. If you’re using raised garden beds, mix them with quality potting mix and compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid compacted soil, as root crops need space to swell.|
     
  2. Soak your seeds: Beetroot seeds have a hard coating, so soak them in warm water overnight before planting. This helps encourage germination and gives your seedlings a strong start.
     
  3. Sow your seeds: Sow seeds directly into the soil (avoid transplanting to prevent root disturbance). Scatter the seeds thinly in rows about 30cm apart and cover with 1–2cm of soil. Beetroot seeds can be sown year-round in most areas, especially during the growing season from late summer through autumn.
     
  4. Regular watering: Keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds germinate. Water gently twice daily until beet seedlings appear. Once they’re established, reduce watering to a couple of times per week, depending on weather conditions. In hot weather, increase watering to avoid dry soil and poor root formation.
     
  5. Thin seedlings: Once your young seedlings reach 2–3cm in height, thin them out to leave 5–10cm between each plant. This gives your beetroot space to develop round, golf ball-sized roots. Don’t waste the thinnings — they make a great addition to salads!
     
  6. Feed for healthy growth: Feed your beetroot plants every fortnight with a high-potassium fertiliser like liquid potash. This encourages root development over leafy growth.
     
  7. Harvesting beets: Your beetroot should be ready to harvest in 8–10 weeks. Look for roots around the size of a golf ball. Use a garden fork to gently lift them without damaging the roots. You can also harvest a few leaves from each plant throughout the growing period — just avoid taking too many, or the root growth may slow down.
     

Growing beetroot tips

  • Beets prefer a sunny spot but can grow in dappled shade, especially during warmer months.Choose bolt-resistant varieties in summer to prevent plants from going to seed too early.
     
  • Choose bolt-resistant varieties in summer to prevent plants from going to seed too early.
  • Water consistently — beets dislike soil that stays wet or dries out completely.
     
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth over root development.
     
  • Use companion plants like Swiss chard, spinach, and onions to support healthy growth and help deter pests.
     

Bonus recipe: Aunty Nat’s Choc Beet Brownies

brownies

These brownies are the perfect way to use up extra beets from your garden and surprise your family with a decadent, fudgy dessert that’s both indulgent and secretly packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness and moisture from the beets give the brownies an incredibly soft texture, while the dark chocolate masks any earthy flavour, making it a hit even with picky eaters. 

It’s a great way to sneak veggies into a treat, reduce food waste, and make the most of your homegrown harvest!

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium-sized beetroots
  • 100g unsalted organic butter (plus a little extra for the tin)
  • 200g bar of 70% cocoa chocolate
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 100g plain flour
  • 25g cocoa powder.
     

Cooking method

  1. Top, tail, and peel beetroots and roughly chop them. Place in a bowl with a splash of water and cover with plastic wrap. 
     
  2. Heat the beetroots in the microwave on high for 12 minutes or until tender (alternatively, cover with water and boil for 15-20 minutes or until tender)—place in a sieve to drain excess fluid.
     
  3. Heat oven to 180°C. Grease the tin.
     
  4. Roughly chop the chocolate and butter. Add the beets and vanilla essence to a food processor and whiz until smooth.
     
  5. Place sugar and eggs in a large bowl and use an electric hand mixer to beat until thick and foamy.
     
  6. Add beetroot/choc mix to the bowl and fold into the whisked sugar/eggs.
     
  7. Sift in flour and cocoa powder and mix until a smooth batter forms.
     
  8. Pour into prepared tin and bake for approximately 25 minutes.
  9. Allow to cool and then cut into squares.

 

FAQs about growing beetroot

 

What are the best companion plants for beetroot?

Onions, lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard are good companion plants for beetroot. These plants help repel pests and improve soil structure, making them ideal neighbours in raised garden beds.

Can I grow beetroot in containers?

Yes! You can grow beets in deep containers or pots filled with rich, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the container is at least 30cm deep to allow roots to develop. Place in a sunny spot and water regularly.

How can I avoid overcrowding beetroot?

Overcrowding leads to smaller roots and poor airflow. Thin seedlings when they’re a few centimetres tall, leaving about 5–10cm between each plant. This gives the roots room to grow and reduces the risk of disease.

When should I harvest beets?

Beetroot is typically ready to harvest when the roots are about the size of a golf ball, usually around 8 to 10 weeks after planting. Check by gently brushing away some soil at the top of the root.

Can I eat beetroot leaves?

Absolutely. Beetroot leaves (or beet greens) are edible and packed with nutrients. They can be eaten raw in salads or lightly sautéed like spinach. Pick a few leaves from each plant to not slow down root growth.

Growing beetroot is easier than you think 

With a bit of care and the right setup, growing beetroot at home is simple, rewarding, and delicious. Whether you're planting baby beets in a backyard garden or tending beetroot seedlings in raised beds, these vibrant root crops will grow happily with minimal fuss. Happy planting!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Leave a Comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up

Contact Us

7 days a week 8am – 5pm AEST

Have a question?

Check out our FAQs page

Australian Made

Proudly made in Brisbane, Queensland

Information

Information

  • About Us
  • Features & Benefits
  • Privacy Policy
  • Find A Stockist
  • Afterpay

Help

Help

  • Helpful Tips For Your Garden
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
  • Shipping and Returns
  • Warranty
  • Review to Win

Products

Products

  • Raised Garden Beds
  • Kids Garden Beds
  • Chicken Coops

Stay In Touch

Copyright © 2025 The Organic Garden Co
  • Afterpay
  • Bank Deposit
  • Web Payments
  • Web Payments
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • PayPal Checkout
  • Visa

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern The Organic Garden Co’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘The Organic Garden Co’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is 6-12 Activity Street, Acacia Ridge, QLD, 4110, AU. Our ABN is . The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

  • The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
  • Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
  • This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
  • All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
  • Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
  • From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
  • Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how Organic Garden Co uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:
  • Name and job title
  • Contact information including email address
  • Demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
  • Other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • Whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
  • If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write, and send to us by mail as soon as possible at our contact address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

You may also Opt Out here https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/". Please read carefully before you Opt Out as this will affect your browsing experience on all sites currently using Google Analytics across the web. Organic Garden Co is not responsible for any effect on your experience after Opting Out.

 

PROMOTIONS

Buy In Bulk & Save

Purchase 3 or more of the same colour and size garden bed in the one transaction and save.

Buy 3 – save 10%
Buy 5+ – save 20%

‘Buy in bulk and save’ pricing is listed on each product.

Afterpay

BUY NOW, PAY IT IN 4
INTEREST-FREE INSTALLMENTS

Add your favourites to cart

CHOOSE AFTERPAY at checkout

LOGIN OR SIGN UP Free and simple to apply

PAY IT IN 4 Approx every 2 weeks

See your payment schedule for full breakdown of your installments and due dates in the afterpay app or web portal after you check out. Your installments and due dates will take into account, your preferred payment date, and whether no payment upfront or higher upfront payment applies.

Late fees, eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Australian credit license 527911