Choose the best paddock
Beets do best on free draining soils that encourage good tap root development, and reduce the risk of harbouring fungal diseases sometimes found on heavier soils. Irrigation in Canterbury will always help with beet growth, but David advises against irrigating too soon, reducing soil temperatures to sub-optimal levels and sometimes causing capping of the soil surface.
Fertility testing is also another “must do” before planting, determining levels of macro nutrients and giving consideration also to trace elements such as Boron.
It is very important to correct any deficiencies that may lead to growth checks or poor bulb development in crops.
Once ensuring the crop will be planted in the best possible environment, all attention needs to turn to seed bed preparation, and ultimately effective weed control.