Beetroots are cultivated for their earthy-sweet flavour and impressive nutritional profile. High in folate, potassium, and antioxidants, they have become a staple in British kitchen gardens. Beets are usually grown as annuals for their fleshy root and young leaves, which can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in everything from soups to cakes. Mature greens make a vibrant substitute for spinach or chard.
In the UK, you can expect beetroots from early summer (late June) through to early autumn (September to October). And it’s easy to ensure you get the best crop, according to the experts at Epic Gardening: “Even though these crunchy root vegetables can take up a lot of room, you can still companion plant beets with many other plants to maximise your harvest”, they said.
Companion planting maximises available planting space and, when done right, can stimulate healthier, tastier fruit and vegetable growth.
Choosing plants that cooperate well with each other not only makes your garden fuller and more colourful but also offers plants the added benefit of extra nutrients.
Some companion combinations even deter pests; marigolds are often used as companion plants with lettuce to deter pests like nematodes, aphids, and slugs.
The Epic Gardening team notes that lettuce has its own benefits for homegrown beets. They said: “Lettuce is so easy to pop into open spaces in your garden. If your beet bed looks a little bare, sprinkle some lettuce seeds.
“The shallow roots won’t get in the way, and tender lettuce will appreciate shade provided by large beet leaves.”
Lettuce seeds can be sown outdoors from late March to late July, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.
Epic Gardening notes that if you plant lettuce and beets simultaneously, the fast-growing lettuces will even suppress weeds.
Some gardeners report that the mild, moist microclimate created by lettuce leaves can enhance beetroot flavour.
Ultimately, the flavour of your beets comes down to good oil health, consistent moisture, and timely harvesting.
How to grow beets and lettuce together
Sow lettuce seeds between rows of beets, spacing them about six inches apart.
Lettuce grows more quickly than beetroot, allowing gardeners to harvest it before beets fully develop, which minimises competition.
Leaf lettuce varieties are preferred because they form less dense heads, which could shade sun-loving beets too much.
The sweetest, most uniform beetroot grows in fertile, free-draining soil. Using organic fertilisers and ensuring consistent watering are essential for delicious beets, particularly when they’re grown with lettuce.
Ensure the soil is always moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent a woody flavour and stunted growth.
Adding companion plants like marigolds or nasturtiums nearby can attract beneficial insects that protect both crops from pests.
For the best flavour and texture, harvest beetroots when they are small, around 4-7cm (1.5-3in) across.