Every summer resident dreams of large and sweet beets, which will delight not only the eye, but also the taste in borscht and salads. But to get a rich harvest, one good place in the garden is not enough. It is important to properly care for plants and feed them on time. Feeding beets at key stages of growth helps speed up their development and makes the root crops large and sweet.
When and what to feed beets
One of the important moments for feeding occurs when 3-4 leaves appear on the beet tops. This usually occurs 3-4 weeks after sowing. At this time, plants are actively growing green mass, and they especially need nitrogen to stimulate growth.
The most convenient and affordable fertilizer for beets is carbamide (urea). To prepare the solution, dissolve 1 tablespoon of urea in 10 liters of water. Be sure to water the garden bed with plain water before applying fertilizer. Spray the solution between the rows, and not at the root, to avoid burns to tender leaves.
Additional fertilizing for a better harvest
For the full development of beets, not only nitrogen fertilizer is important, but also potassium and phosphorus. Potassium helps improve the quality of root vegetables, while phosphorus contributes to their firmness and sweetness. These elements can be added using phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
Additionally, fermented yeast or milk based feeds would be a great addition. They not only stimulate growth, but also improve the structure of the soil, increasing its fertility.
Beet care: watering and loosening
Do not forget about moderate watering and loosening the soil. Beets do not like stagnant water, so water them so that the soil remains moist, but not soggy. Loosening will help improve soil breathability and give roots more room to grow.
When and how to do the last feeding
3 weeks before harvest, you can carry out the last fertilizing using a mixture of potassium and phosphorus. This will allow the beets to accumulate the required amount of sugar and also improve their taste.
The secret to large and sweet beets is regular care, feeding with the right fertilizers and attention to the plant. If you follow these simple recommendations, your beet beds will definitely delight you with an excellent harvest.
