Chenopodiaceae - The Beet Family
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Chenopodiaceae – The Beet Family
The Chenodiaceae or beet family contains both leaf and root crops suitable for warm and cool climates. Spinach and red orach are fast growing leafy crops. Spinach is best sown in spring or autumn, as it rapidly turns to seed in hot dry conditions. Sow little and often for a good supply.
Beets are grown for their substantial juicy roots, commonly dark red, but also white, gold and by colored cultivars are also available. The deep green and magenta leaves are decorative but can also be eaten when young, either raw or lightly cooked. Fast growing baby beets are eaten when 1-2 in (2-5cm) in diameter. Larger roots of the chenopodiaceae family can be stored for winter use. Leafy beet and chard are known by a confusing range of names. The former has large green leaves and the latter tends to have a dark glossy leaf with a wide prominent midrib, which can be eaten as a separate vegetable. The midribs color ranges from white to yellow, orange, pink, to a luminous red. Leaf beet and chard are easy to grow, much less prone to ‘bolting’ than spinach, They can be picked over a period of months and withstand low winter temperatures. Two sowings, one in spring and one in Autumn will supply for the entire year. Crops in the chenopodiaceae family all prefer a fertile soil that does not dry out easily. They are often included in the root section of a rotation., in soil that has been improved by a previous crop.
A medium fertility soil improver such as mulch from compost can be used for poorer soils. Spinach beet and chard can be raised in cell packs for transplanting. Beets are suitable for multi-sowing. All can be grown in a greenhouse for out of season production. DirectGardening.com - Use special coupon # G5666 for 3 free Peacock Orchid Bulbs with any purchase! The crops in the chenopodaceae family are relatively trouble free although some tend to bolt in adverse conditions, Beet leaf miner has little effect on the root but it can effect the leaves. Downy mildew can be a problem on young spinach when soil conditions are too moist. Success with Organic Vegetables as an additional reference
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