Cylindra
Beetroot in the UK

Start sowing direct outdoors from March, right through to July. I always say sow a little bit often, every few weeks, that way you get a steady harvest rather than a massive glut all at once. Pop seeds 2-3cm deep, about 10cm apart in rows 30cm apart. Don't worry too much about the last frost date with beetroot, they're tough enough for the unpredictable North East weather, even if it's a bit nippy early on.

Once they get going, you might need to thin them out a bit, especially if you're not using a monogerm variety. Aim for plants about 10-15cm apart eventually, giving them room to swell up nicely. You can always eat those thinnings, proper little baby leaves and roots, they're lovely. No need for hardening off or anything fancy like that, just get 'em in the ground.