Our expert-led masterclasses teach practical, proven techniques for sustainable gardening. Whether you book a series or a single session, you’ll gain useful skills that make a real impact. By joining, you also help support our work in promoting sustainable gardening. Most classes are on Zoom for convenience, and we’re growing our on-demand options for even more flexibility.
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.