Beetroot grows in almost all climatic conditions, but won't do well when very hot or very cold.
Grow in either full sun or partial shade. Soil should have a little lime added and preferably been manured the previous season.

Always directly sow your beetroot seeds where they'll grow. The beetroot "seed" is actually a shell with a cluster of seeds inside. This means it's very important to thin out all but the strongest seedlings leaving an inch between them. As the seedlings develop further you'll need to halve your crop again (2 inches between beets).
Keep well watered otherwise your beetroot could taste a bit woody.

Beetroot is usually ready in around 3 or 4 months. Lift it from the ground, being careful not to damage the root, and twist off the leaves. If you don't do this the leaves will draw water out of the root which will dry it out.
Some people eat beetroot leaves. But remember they contain oxalic acid, which some people can have a nasty reaction to, so think first before adding beetroot leaves to salads.