I grew sugar beets last year for the first time. The patch was about 3m/6m or 10'/20'. some straw for mulch, and they didn't need any special care at all. I waited to pull them out after first frost, as I read that this increases their sugar level. Beets were huge at the end, some as big as a football ball. there were at least 30kg of them after we cut the tops. Then we peeled them, and grind them, after that boiled them untill soft. We strained and pressed the pulp, and boiled and reduced the juises untill thick molasses. It was a lot of work, took us 3 days to complete. So you will understand my dissapointment when I tell you that we ended up with less than 3 kg of molasses. The stuff tastes great, I love it, and used it like sugar substitute, whenever possible (it is best on pancakes and bread), I used it also in some baking recipes, but have to tell you that I am not sure if it is all worth it. I expected to not have to buy a single pack of sugar through winter, only to find out the jar was almost empty shortly before Christmas. So I am still thinking if I will do it again this season...
