When it comes to growing beet, or eating it for that matter, most people think of silver beet. But did you know there's a whole rainbow of different coloured beet out there called, wait for it...rainbow beet?

What's interesting about coloured beet is every colour has a slightly different flavour - all a little milder than your standard silver beet.

I like to plant my rainbow beet in pots for three reasons. Firstly, it's a little less frost hardy than silver beet and a big fan of the sun, so by planting in pots I can move it around to find the perfect conditions. Secondly, it grows really well in pots. And finally, all the different colours look fantastic potted together!

Coloured beet is also a really good plant for beginner gardeners or kids to tackle. It doesn't require a lot of maintenance, it's quick to mature, it's packed full of nutrients, and the different shades will make it a novelty on the dinner table.

So, pick up some Awapuni Nurseries beet seedlings from your local supermarket, The Warehouse, or Bunnings. Alternatively, head to our online store and have them delivered direct to your door. You can get nine beet seedlings in our standard Traditional Value bundle, or if you've got lots of pots to fill why not grab one of our bulk bundles, which contain at least 25 seedlings.

If you're planting in the garden, once you've chosen the perfect spot, add some compost to the soil and mix well. This will ensure your soil is in top condition for the cooler months ahead. And, if you want to give your beet a really good head start, add a general fertiliser, such as nitrophoska blue, to the soil prior to planting. This will encourage growth and ensure bountiful silver beet come harvest.

Beet is a great companion plant for vegetables that take longer to mature. So, if you're planting onions, brassicas, celery and/or leeks in a garden bed this winter why not plant coloured beet in the spaces between those veges? The beet will mature first, fully utilising your garden's space.

If you're potting your beet, simply fill the pots with a good general potting mix from your local garden centre - it will have all the nutrients your seedlings need.

Once you've prepared the soil, dig a hole (approximately 3cms deep), place your seedling inside and cover the roots with soil. Space each seedling 20cms apart. This will ensure room for the silver beet seedling to expand and grow.

Depending on the weather conditions in your area, your silver beet should be ready for harvest in around six to 10 weeks. Beet needs to be harvested before it goes to seed, so pick off the leaves for your meals and salads as needed. And watch out for birds. At this time of the year there's limited food around for our flying friends so your vege garden will look like prime picking. Simply put some chicken wire or bird netting over the top of your plants.