Beet Growing Guide

All you need to know to grow successfully!

Plant Family:
Amaranthaceae
Plant Type:
Annual

Square Foot Spacing:

9
Typical Season:
Cool season
Typical Zones Grown In:
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
Growing Difficulty:
Easy

Beets are a root vegetable that are known for their deep, reddish-purple color and sweet, earthy flavor. They are commonly roasted, boiled, or pickled, and can also be eaten raw in salads. The leaves of the beet plant, called beet greens, are also edible and can be cooked like spinach or added to salads. Beets are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as folate, manganese, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are also a good source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Grow Beets Organically

  1. Choose a location: Beets need full sun, but they also grow well in partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and have a pH between 6.0-7.5.
  2. Planting: Sow beet seeds directly into the ground about 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost in the spring. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. As beets grow, thin them out so that each beet has about 3 inches of space around it.
  3. Watering: Beets need consistent moisture to grow well. Water them deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
  4. Fertilizer: Beets are light feeders, so they don’t need much fertilizer. However, adding a layer of compost or well-rotted manure before planting can help improve soil fertility.
  5. Pest control: Beets are relatively pest-free, but you may need to watch out for leaf miners, aphids, and flea beetles. You can use natural pest control methods like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth to keep pests at bay.
  6. Harvesting: Beets are usually ready to harvest 50-60 days after planting. You can tell they’re ready when the beet “shoulders” are visible above the soil line. To harvest, gently pull the beet from the ground by the leaves. Be sure to cut off the leaves (which are also edible) and store beets in a cool, dark place.

Planting Guidelines

The following are general guides to follow. However, nothing is set in stone. Feel free to experiment!

How to Start:
Direct Sow
When to Direct Sow:
April,May,June,July
When to Start Indoors:
Sprouting Time:
5-12 days

Ideal Temperature (C):

10-26
Depth:
1cm deep
Spacing (cm):
5-10cm
Row Spacing (cm):
30-45cm
Sun Exposure:
Part Shade,Full Sun
Maturity Time:
53 days
When To Harvest:
June,July,August,September
How to Harvest:
Selectibly harvest leaves when young and tender and harvest roots when swollen

Health Benefits

Growing your own food is one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s check out some of the health benefits!

Is It Edible?
Yes
Edible Parts:
Roots and Leaves
Potential Health Benefits:
Antioxidant,Nutrient Dense,Blood Pressure,Athletic Performance,Anti-Inflammatory ,Digestive System,Brain Health,Cancer Fighting ,Weight Loss

Tips to Growing Organically

Growing without the use of pesticides and herbicides is easier than you may think and it’s better for the environment!

Companion Plants:
Kale,Collards,Broccoli,Brussel Sprouts,Cauliflower,Corn,Garlic,Kohlrabi,Leek,Lettuce
What Plants to Avoid:
Common Pests:
Leaf miners
Common Disease:
If beets have black cankers in the roots, soil may need more boron. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of borax to 4L (8½ US pints) of water, and spread evenly over 9m² (100 sq ft) of soil. Do not overapply at a heavier rate. Circular lesions with a purple halo on the leaf is cercospera leaf spot. Prevent by rotation and sanitation
Bonus Grow Tips:
Beets will not produce roots if soil is too cold

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