Planting Beetroot Plugs | A Simple Guide to Growing Delicious Beets from Young Plants

Introduction: Fast-Track Your Beetroot Harvest with Plug Plants

Beetroot is one of the easiest and most rewarding root vegetables to grow — and using plug plants gives you a head start on the season. If you’ve missed the seed-sowing window, want quicker results, or prefer not to fuss with germination, planting beetroot plugs is the perfect shortcut to a successful crop.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planting beetroot plugs — from soil prep and spacing to watering, care, and harvesting vibrant, healthy roots.

1. What Are Beetroot Plugs?

Beetroot plugs are young beetroot seedlings that have been pre-grown in trays or modules. They’re usually around 4–6 weeks old and ready to be planted directly into your garden or containers.

Benefits of using beetroot plugs:

• Faster harvest compared to sowing seeds
• Easier and more reliable than seed germination
• Avoids thinning and wasted seed
• Ideal for small gardens, raised beds, and containers
• Perfect for extending the season with staggered planting

They’re great for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to simplify the growing process.

2. When to Plant Beetroot Plugs (UK Guide)

Beetroot plugs can be planted outdoors from April to September, depending on weather and location.

Key planting windows:

• Spring planting: April–May for summer harvests
• Summer planting: June–July for autumn harvests
• Late summer planting: August–early September for overwintering in mild areas or under protection

Avoid planting during frosty periods unless using cloches or fleece.

3. Where to Grow Beetroot

Beetroot thrives in:

• Full sun — at least 6 hours of direct light daily
• Light, well-drained soil — free from stones and rich in organic matter
• Raised beds, veg plots, or deep containers

Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil, which can stunt root growth or cause rot.

4. How to Prepare the Soil

Beets prefer fertile, fine-textured soil.

Soil preparation tips:

1. Remove weeds, stones, and old roots
2. Fork over the soil to a depth of 20–25cm
3. Add compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting
4. Rake to a fine tilth
5. Avoid fresh manure or nitrogen-heavy fertilisers, which cause leafy growth over root development

If you’re planting in containers, use a peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with perlite for drainage.

5. How to Plant Beetroot Plugs Step-by-Step

1. Water plugs well before planting to ease removal
2. Use a trowel to create holes 5–8cm deep and wide enough for the root ball
3. Space plants 10cm apart in rows 25–30cm apart
4. Gently remove plugs from trays (if not biodegradable)
5. Place into holes at the same depth they were growing
6. Firm the soil around the roots
7. Water well after planting

Avoid burying the crown too deeply — this may encourage rot.

6. Spacing Guidelines for Beetroot Plugs

Proper spacing allows the roots to develop evenly and reduces the risk of disease.

Keep rows 25–30cm apart if you’re planting in beds. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to misshapen roots.

7. Watering and Feeding Your Beetroot Plants

Watering:

• Water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Avoid letting soil completely dry out — it can lead to woody roots or splitting

Feeding:

• Add a balanced fertiliser once plugs are established (2–3 weeks after planting)
• Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen — it encourages leaf growth instead of root development

Mulching around the base of plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

8. Growing Beetroot in Containers

Plug plants are perfect for pots and troughs.

Container tips:

• Use containers at least 25cm deep
• Space plugs 10cm apart
• Use high-quality compost with added perlite or grit
• Keep well-watered and feed every 2–3 weeks with a liquid fertiliser
• Place in full sun for best results

Choose smaller or round-rooted varieties for compact growing.

9. Varieties of Beetroot to Grow from Plugs

While plug suppliers may have limited varieties, look out for:

Buy plugs from reputable garden centres or online nurseries offering organically raised plants.

10. Companion Plants for Beetroot

Beetroot grows well alongside:

• Lettuce
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cabbage family
• Herbs like dill or mint

Avoid planting beetroot near:

• Pole beans (can stunt growth)
• Field mustard or brassicas with allelopathic effects

Rotate crops each year to prevent disease build-up in the soil.

11. How to Protect Beetroot Plugs from Pests

Common pests:

• Flea beetles – small holes in leaves; use fleece or insect mesh
• Slugs and snails – feed on young leaves; use pellets or traps
• Birds – may peck young seedlings; netting helps

Once established, beetroot is fairly pest-resistant, but young plugs are vulnerable in the first few weeks.

12. Harvesting Your Beetroot

Beetroot is ready to harvest 6–10 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and conditions.

How to tell it’s ready:

• Root shoulders are visible above the soil
• Root diameter is 4–8cm (larger roots may become woody)
• Leaves may start to yellow as maturity approaches

How to harvest:

• Loosen soil with a fork
• Gently lift by the base of the leaves
• Twist off tops to prevent bleeding — don’t cut with a knife

Leave smaller roots to continue growing if you’re harvesting selectively.

13. Storing Beetroot After Harvest

• Remove tops and store roots in a cool, dark place
• Keep in a box of sand or wrapped in newspaper
• Fridge storage: up to 2 weeks
• Root cellar: 1–2 months

You can also pickle, roast, or freeze your harvest for long-term use.

14. Can You Succession Plant Beetroot Plugs?

Yes — for a longer harvest season, plant plugs every 3–4 weeks from April through August.

Succession planting gives you a steady supply and reduces the risk of all your beets being ready at once.

Ideal for small gardens or container growing, especially when space opens up mid-season.

15. Using Beet Greens (Don’t Waste the Tops!)

Beetroot leaves are not just edible — they’re delicious!

Uses:

• Steam like spinach
• Sauté with garlic and oil
• Add to stir fries or soups
• Eat young leaves raw in salads

Harvest a few outer leaves at a time without damaging the growing crown.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Tasty Harvest with Minimal Fuss

Planting beetroot plugs is a quick and easy way to enjoy homegrown veg without the need for precision sowing or thinning. With a bit of sunshine, rich soil, and regular watering, you’ll be rewarded with plump, sweet roots and leafy greens in just a few short weeks.

Whether you’re growing in beds, containers, or raised troughs, beetroot plugs make fresh food growing simple — and satisfying.

Top 10 FAQs: Planting Beetroot Plugs

1. When is the best time to plant beetroot plugs?

From April to early September, once the soil is frost-free.

2. How far apart should I space beetroot plugs?

10cm between plants, with 25–30cm between rows.

3. Can I grow beetroot plugs in pots?

Yes — use containers at least 25cm deep and space plugs 10cm apart.

4. Do beetroot plugs need thinning?

No — plugs are already spaced appropriately and don’t need thinning like seeds.

5. How often should I water beetroot?

Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather.

6. When will my beetroot be ready to harvest?

6–10 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and conditions.

7. Can I eat beetroot leaves?

Yes — they’re nutritious and tasty, similar to chard or spinach.

8. Why are my beets woody or tough?

Usually from underwatering or harvesting too late.

9. Can I plant beetroot plugs next to carrots?

Yes — they make good companions and don’t compete heavily.

10. Do beetroot need full sun?

Yes — they grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.