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How to Grow Beets

easyGardening48-90 days10 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Avoid planting in soils with pH less than 6.0

Tools Needed

Scissors or shears — For cutting plants during thinning
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Rake — For removing diseased autumn foliage
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Materials

Beet seeds — Monogerm or standard varieties(As needed)
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Organic matter — Compost or loam(Soil amendment)
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Floating row covers — Insect protection(As needed)
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Sand — For winter storage(As needed)
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Steps

1
Prepare well-drained sandy loam or silt loam soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Tip: Ensure soil is free of large stones; use short root varieties for stonier soil.
2
Soak seeds in tepid water or overnight before planting to improve germination.
Tip: Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
3
Scatter seeds thinly in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart and cover lightly with soil.
Tip: Press soil firmly on seeds during dry weather to maintain moisture.
4
Water consistently, aiming for approximately 1 inch per week.
Tip: Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry and prevent Cercospora leaf spot or scab.
5
Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches in height.
Tip: Cut plants rather than pulling them to avoid disturbing the roots of neighboring plants.
6
Maintain a weed-free environment and use floating row covers if necessary to discourage insects.
Tip: Competition and uneven watering can make beet roots stringy and tough.
7
Monitor for boron deficiency, indicated by corky black areas in the roots.
Tip: Avoid over-applying nitrogen, as it encourages top growth over root development.
8
Handpick and destroy any leaves infested by leaf miners.
Tip: Thin plants properly to ensure adequate air circulation.
9
Harvest roots based on variety, typically between 48 to 90 days.
Tip: Plant early for the best flavor; high heat can cause lighter colors and white zone rings.
10
Store roots for winter in cellars under sand or in pits covered with straw and earth.
Tip: Long, tapering root varieties are generally better suited for winter storage.

Pro Tips

  • Beets can be started indoors or in cold frames and transplanted.
  • Avoid following Swiss chard or spinach in crop rotation as they are closely related.
  • Tolerates frost and can be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
  • Rake and dispose of all fallen or diseased leaves in autumn to prevent disease carryover.

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Sources

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →
Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →
Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →