Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Real Men Sow
You can plant and grow beets 2 to 3 weeks prior to the last frost date in spring, or in late summer and early autumn 6-8 weeks before the first frost in autumn as beets can be grown in cool climates. In mild-winter areas, beets can also be grown as a winter crop.
Biennial plants, such as beets, are grown in the year. They are grown both for their swollen root and their leaves. There are two types of beets: long-rooted and globe-shaped. Beetroots come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow as well as gold, yellow, and white. From the root, a rosette of large edible green leaves grows. Green leaves can have red or yellow veins.
Quick Tips on How to Plant and Grow Beets
Beets can thrive in temperatures between 50°F and 65°F (10-18°C). Plant beets in your garden two to three weeks before the last frost date of spring. Keep planting succession every 3 weeks, until the temperature reaches 80°F (26°C). To harvest beets, it takes 45 to 65 days.
Yield: You can plant 5-10 beets for each household member. Varieties can affect the yield. It is possible to harvest approximately 15 pounds (7 kg) of beets for every 10 feet (3m) of row.
Where to Grow Beets
In warm areas, beets can be grown in full sun or in partial shade. Beets should be planted in loose, well-worked soil that is rich in organic matter. To prevent roots from being impeded or split, remove any stones and clods.
In order to increase yield, add plenty of aged compost to your growing beds before you plant. You can also add 3 cups (700ml), of dried seaweed to 100 square feet (9m2). The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8. For the best results, beets will grow at a pH of 6.5.
Only add aged manure to the soil. Fresh manures can cause beetroots‘ to twist, fork, or become “hairy” if they are contaminated with boron. Sprinkle 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (6-9g)of household borax along 100ft (30m) of row, and mix it into the soil. Borax can be toxic if used in excess.
When to Plant and Grow Beets in Spring
Plant beets in your garden two to three weeks before the last frost date of spring. You should have a soil temperature of at least 50°F (10°C) if you have ever had the damping-off disease. Cover your beets with a row cover to protect them from wind and chill. Beets grow faster when they are covered. Start beet seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. Once they are hardened, transplant them outside four weeks later.
Succession Planting when you Grow Beets
To harvest beets, it takes 45 to 65 days. Keep planting successionally every 3 weeks until the temperature reaches 80°F (26°C). If you live in hot summer regions, it is a good idea to stop sowing 60 days prior to the arrival of the summer heat. Beetroots that are exposed to hot temperatures will become hardy.
Beets Planting Time for Autumn Harvest
You can plant beets again in the late summer or early fall 6-8 weeks before the average autumn frost. This is the fall and winter storage crop. Sow only one time, and only as many as you’ll need for winter. Direct sowing in summer is best done when the soil is still moist. Otherwise, germination may be slow.
Beets Planting for Winter Harvest
In mild-winter areas, beets can be grown as a winter crop. The sweetest beets will mature in winter and are the most productive because the roots retain sugars during cold weather. Although beets can withstand frost, they will still go to seed when temperatures drop below freezing.
Planting and Spacing Beets
Seed clusters the size of small peas are used to grow beets. Each cluster contains many tiny true seeds. To speed up germination, soak seed clusters in water for 12 hours before sowing. Seed clusters should be 1 inch (22.5 cm) deep and 1 inches apart. Broadcast seeds are possible. Broadcast seeds lightly on a 15- to 18-inch (38-45 cm)-wide surface. The seedlings should be thinned.
Seedlings will grow in clumps. When seedlings reach 3 inches in height, you can thin them with small scissors. You can also gently separate the young seedlings, and replant them in another row. Place rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. To salads, add thinned seedlings. The majority of beets don’t transplant well.
Watering and Feeding Beets
Beets should be kept well hydrated. Don’t let the soil dry. Roots that aren’t hydrated will become stringy, hard, and stunted. Preparing for seeding, add aged compost to your planting beds. Midseason side-dress beets made of compost
Caring for Beets
Mulching
Water the beets well to conserve soil moisture. Then, cover the rows with mulch at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep. Mulch should be applied only after the plants have reached a minimum height of a few inches.
Hilling
Beetroots can push their roots out of the ground as they grow. So, if necessary, you should hill up soil around the roots.
Weeding Near Beets
You should remove weeds from beets by hand, not using tools. The development of beetroots can be harmed by a trowel or hoe. To avoid competition for nutrients and water, keep your planting beds weed-free.
Thinning
To avoid root crowding, thin beets should be thinned as soon as they reach 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height.
Problems when you Plant and Grow Beets
A lack of boron can cause black spots and brown hearts in roots. The rest of the soil can be used if it is not discolored. If soil is chalky, limed recently, you can rake 1.5 teaspoons of boron per square yard or feed plants with calcified saltwater.
Beet Leaf Problems
- Slugs, garden webworms, or beet armyworms may cause ragged holes in your leaves. Handpick caterpillars and spray with BTK when they are small. Trap and kill slugs.
- To prevent leaf miner larvae from tunneling through spinach leaves, cover new areas with row covers.
- Cercospora leaf spots can cause brown spots on leaves. Pick and destroy affected leaves. Roots are edible.
