Mastering Roots and Beets

While not technically a single plant family, this group of vegetables is often categorized by their growth habits. Official classifications reveal some interesting edible relatives, some familiar and some less known. 

Featuring tap and tuberous roots, these plants keep their edible parts hidden underground, making their success a delightful/disappointing* mystery until harvest. Similarly, beets aren’t what they appear. Appreciating the complexity and understanding their unique growing requirements and classifications, you'll be well-equipped to cultivate these intriguing and rewarding plants.  This one hour Master Class session delivered by Teresa Day will cover –  

*delete as necessary. 

• Overview of Root vegetables and their general needs with soil preparation and nutrient needs, optimal planting times, approach and conditions as well as watering needs.  
• Focus on specific common root veggies: carrots, celeriac, daikon, horseradish, dandelion.   
• Overview of beets and their general needs with soil preparation and nutrient needs, optimal planting times, approach and conditions as well as watering needs.  
• Focus on specific common plants in this larger amaranth family: beetroot, chard, spinach, amaranth. 
• During the focus section we will be going over some of the following (depending on relevance to vegetable) -   
  • practical tips on seed starting and seedling transplanting techniques,  
  • companion planting considerations,  
  • common pests and diseases and how to deal with them,  
  • general maintenance to encourage plant health and longevity  
  • Surprise knowledge that will make all the difference 

By the end of this Master Class you'll have learnt how some veggies just aren’t what they seem, with very confusing classifications.  But with a little bit of consideration you ‘ll appreciate the essential role they play in maintaining healthy soil and strong crops. You may even be encouraged to try to grow something new!  

This session is one of four in a Masterclass Series "Mastering Food Families". Other topics include –Crop Rotation and the Role of Legumes; Mastering Brassicas and Alliums; Mastering Nightshades and Cucurbits. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.

Its driving purpose is to:

• Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
• Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
• Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
• Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.