Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Real Men Sow
To be able to harvest and store beetroots, it should have root tops that are between 1 and 1 1/2 inches in size, but no more than 3 inches. If beets grow to more than 3 inches (7cm) in diameter, they can become fibrous and tough.
When to Harvest Beetroots
After sowing, beets can mature between 45 and 60 days. Cool-season plants, beets grow well at temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees F (15-18°C). Beets don’t grow well in areas where the daytime temperature is consistently higher than 80degF (26°C). If winters are mild and the soil has good drainage, beets can be left in the ground for as long as they will tolerate.
If the ground freezes, you can lift the beets from the soil or cover them with a layer of mulch-leaf straw or hay that is 12 inches (30 cm) thick. This will protect the planting bed for 18 inches (45cm) or more. The mulch can be pulled back in the winter and the roots lifted if it is kept from freezing.
Before new growth in spring, beets must be removed from the garden. Roots that are left in the ground for more than a day should be used.
How to Harvest Beets
When the soil is dry, it’s best to pull beets. To avoid injury or damage, carefully pull or lift roots from the garden. If necessary, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the roots.
After lifting the roots, twirl the greens. The root will bleed if it has its top removed. The storage life of your storage space will be greatly extended if you remove the tops prior to storage.
How to Store Beets
The best root should be stored; damaged roots or bruised roots won’t keep well and should not be stored. Before storing the roots, gently rub the soil off. Do not wash roots before storing them.
Keep beets at 32-40°F (0-4°C) in cold, moist areas with 95% relative humidity. Place beets in a plastic bag with holes in it in the vegetable crisper drawer. The refrigerator will keep beets for up to three months.
You can also pack beets in a container, such as a bucket, plastic storage box, or cooler, filled with moist sand or peat moss. Do not pack roots too tightly. Roots can become rotten if they touch. Place the container in a cool place like a basement, garage, or shed. Regularly inspect roots stored in the storage and remove any signs of deterioration.
There are a lot of ways to harvest and store beetroots. You may have your own, but what I have shared with you works great. You may opt to follow or not follow it.
