Beets are Fun to Grow
Beets produce healthy crops in almost any climate. In cooler areas, plant about one month before the last spring frost when soil temperatures reach at least 50°F. Plant a late round of towards the end of summer from June to September. Plants tolerate a little frost and near-freezing temperatures.
In warm climates like the low desert, grow during the cooler months. Plant from the middle of September through the beginning of March.
Choose a Good Location to Plant Beets
Grow in cooler temperatures.
Beets need at least 6 hours of sun.
Grow in well-draining rich, loose soil.
Choose smaller, rounded varieties if your soil is heavy or shallow.
Good companion plants for growing include onions and beans.
Beet Seeds – Ruby Queen, Vegetable Seeds, …
Grow Heirloom Beets – Plant Ruby Queen Beet SeedsThe Ruby Queen beet is a deliciously d… [More]
Plant Correctly
Pre-soak seeds to increase germination rates and plant each seed 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart.
Thin when seedlings are 2-3 inches tall.
Thin carefully and transplant extra seedlings or use as greens in salad. Plant seeds every few weeks for a continual harvest.
Beets Need Cool Weather
Beets do not like hot weather or dry conditions; plant at the correct time for your climate.
If temperatures are warm, offer a thick layer of mulch to cool the soil.
Regular watering keeps them tender.
If grown in rich soil they do not need additional fertilizer during the growing season.
Pick when Small for Best Flavor
Harvest greens as soon as they are large enough to use. Most are ready to harvest when about an inch in diameter but no more than 2 ½ inches in diameter.
When harvesting, leave the root stem attached to prevent “bleeding”, which draws moisture out of the plant. They should be harvested before a hard frost. Store with greens clipped in a cool place. To reduce bleeding in leaves, twist to remove greens rather than cutting them.
Delicious Ways to Eat
Try greens fresh or sautéed. Use beet greens similar to how you use Swiss chard, spinach or other greens. Use beet thinnings in salads. Once harvested, store beets in plastic vegetable bags and refrigerate.
Exceptional earthy flavor roasted in the oven, steamed, juiced, fried, sautéed, or sliced fresh in salads. Preserve beets by fermenting, canning, or pickling.