How to Grow Beets

Beets are a root crop, best known for their deep red color, though can also be found in yellow and white. Usually grown for the bulbous root grown under the ground, the green tops can also be eaten.

Timing is Everything: Before you start sowing in the garden, you want to find out your first and last frosts of the season. Click here  to find out your climate/hardiness zone. Beets are a cool-weather crop so begin sowing your seeds directly into your garden in early spring, about 3-4 weeks before your last frost. If you live somewhere with mild winters, you can also sow in late summer or early fall. Beets are not recommended to be started indoors.

Location! Location! Location! Beets like full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Beets can tolerate many soil conditions, but just like with your carrots you want a well drained soil, and be sure to remove clods and rocks as this can result in splitting. Beets love organic matter, so make sure you add plenty to your soil!

Depth and Spacing:  Beet seeds are actually dried fruits, and have usually about 4-5  seeds. Plant one every 1 inch, and about 1 inch deep. If you are planting in rows, space your rows about 12 inches apart. If more than one seed germinates from the fruit (like you see in my picture), thin to 1 seedling every 1 inch right away. You will thin again when they are about 1 inch tall, to 3-5 inches apart. To thin, just snip off the top part of your seedling.

TLC: Beets require a lot of water. Development of the roots can be drastically affected if dried out just for a short while.

Friends: Plant your beets with lettuce, onions, kohlrabi, and garlic.

Foes: Keep your beets away from runner/pole beans.

Reaping What You Sow: Beets are ready to harverst when they are at least 2 inches in diameter (about 60 days). Don't let your beets grow too big. The smaller they are, the more tender! The greens can be harvested as soon as they are about 6 inches tall, but leave at least 2 inches at the base.