Beets are a popular vegetable among gardeners. Rich in vitamins and minerals. It is widely used in cooking, for conservation, it is consumed fresh. Most root vegetables are subject to long-term storage. In order for the vegetable to retain its properties for as long as possible, certain rules are observed.
When beets are harvested
Cleaning times depend on several factors:
- ripening time of a particular variety;
- climatic conditions of the region;
- weather.
As a rule, beets are harvested one of the last in the garden. Since this root vegetable is highly resistant to low temperatures, even in late summer - early autumn, it continues to grow, ripen, accumulate nutrients and sugar. Until the moment when the temperature drops to -3 ° C.
But it does not tolerate frost. Even slightly frozen fruits quickly deteriorate, rot and are not stored for a long time.
The best weather conditions for harvesting are warm, clear, dry days.
So, for example, in the Urals and Siberia, the event starts in the second half of September - early October.
Beet varieties are divided according to ripening periods:
- early maturing;
- mid-season;
- late ripening.
Early ripening beets
The full maturity of the root crop occurs on the 90th day after the appearance of the first shoots. They begin to harvest them from mid-July to the end of August. These vegetables do not have a high taste. They are eaten first, since they are not stored for a long time.
The most popular early maturing beet varieties:
- Red ball;
- Red Sun;
- Canteen;
- Red Bull;
- Detroit.
Medium ripening varieties
One of the most popular among gardeners. The vegetable reaches full maturity 130 days after germination. Seeds are sown in well-warmed soil in mid-May, the harvest is harvested in September.
Subject to all the rules for assembly and storage, the crop lays perfectly all winter.
Medium ripening varieties:
- Donskaya;
- Matron;
- Cold resistant;
- Monocle;
- Patrick.
Late-ripening varieties
The harvest of such beets is the most useful, has a bright, rich taste, with a high sugar content. Harvesting of late-ripening varieties begins 145 days after germination. Vegetables are stored for a long time, until the next season, without losing their taste.
Mainly, such varieties are grown in the southern regions, since there is the most optimal climate. Harvested in mid-October.
Late ripening varieties:
- Bordeaux;
- Egyptian flat;
- Cylinder;
- Pablo;
- Taunus.
Signs of ripening beets
First of all, they rely on the timing of the emergence of seedlings. Depending on the variety, the harvest date is calculated.
External signs:
- The leaves at the base of the vegetable turn yellow and wither.
- Growths appear on root crops.
- Weight and size correspond to those stated by the seed manufacturer.
In dry summer conditions, cleaning is postponed for a short time.
If the weather was rainy, dig up the roots as soon as possible so that they do not start to rot from excess moisture.
Beet harvesting rules
To keep the vegetable as long as possible, follow the rules for harvesting it:
- The event is carried out in clear, dry weather.
- Root crops are removed from the ground by hand.
- The tops are cut off immediately.
- Beets are laid out on a spread tarpaulin in 1 layer. They are dried for 2-3 days in the fresh air and only then they are removed to storage.
- Sorting: deformed roots with signs of disease and damage by insects are removed.
Store beets in a dry, dark room with good ventilation.
Subject to all conditions of assembly and storage, beets are consumed all winter. The root vegetable remains tasty and healthy.
Read also: Autumn transplantation of lilies is a pledge of exuberant flowering next season
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and LIKE if the article is useful!