Tools and Materials
Tools
- Garden Fork
pH testing kit
- Hand trowel
- Scissors
Materials
Beet seeds
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
Row covers
- insecticidal soap
How to Plant Beets: Step-by-Step
You can grow several types of beets, like Detroit Dark Red, Golden Beet, Chioggia Beet and Sugar Beet. Choosing the variety depends on your preferences. All varieties can be planted using similar techniques.
When and Where to Plant Beets
Before you learn how to plant beets, you must find a perfect location and time.
- The best time to grow beets is in cool weather. Plant them at the start of spring for a spring harvest or the end of summer for a fall crop.
- Beets require at least 7 hours of sunlight every day. Choose a sunny location to make sure they have healthy growth.
- Sow beet seeds using a hand trowel, 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows and evenly spaced 12 inches apart.
Preparing the Soil
The most important thing to remember regarding soil is that its pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. Make sure the soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained.
- Use a garden fork to add organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to enrich it with nutrients.
- Test the soil for its pH level using a testing kit or send it to the lab to make sure it is slightly acidic to neutral soil.
- Avoid compacted soil to prevent beets from becoming undersized. The soil should be well drained. Raise the bed for proper drainage.
Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches before adding compost, which will help for proper air circulation.
How to Grow Beets From Seeds
Beet seeds are seed clusters that contain multiple seeds that will produce several plants.
- Plant the seeds using a hand trowel about half an inch deep, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Once the seedlings come out, thin them to four to six inches apart. Use scissors to cut off unwanted plants to avoid disturbing the roots.
Soaking seeds in warm water for a few hours before planting can help soften their hard coating, increasing germination rates.
How to Grow Beets: Step-by-Step
After planting the seeds, the next step is to take care of them so they grow healthy.
Water and Fertilizer
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water your plants deeply, ensuring the soil receives approximately one inch of water per week.
- Apply mulch around the crown of plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate temperature.
- Halfway through the growing season and planting, apply a balanced fertilizer.
- Beets are very sensitive to boron deficiency, which is visible as black, tough spots in the roots. Adding boron sparingly (if soil tests show a deficiency) can improve beet quality.
Avoid too much nitrogen in the fertilizer, as it can lead to lush leaves but smaller roots. Make sure you are wearing protective gloves and respiratory masks, especially while working with fertilizers, as they can lead to skin irritation.
Weeding and Mulching
Weeds can stunt a plant's growth as they compete for nutrients and water, so keeping the bed weed-free is essential.
- Hand weeding is best for beets, as they have shallow roots, so be careful not to disturb them while weeding.
- Applying a layer of mulch on top of the soil and around the crown area can help prevent weeds and retain soil moisture.
Pest and Disease Management
Beets have good pest resistance on their own, but it's good to be prepared.
- Common pests like leaf miners, aphids and flea beetles may attack beet foliage. Use row covers or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Beets are prone to diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. To prevent disease buildup, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering and rotate crops annually.
How to Grow Beets in Pots
- Choose the right pot, at least 12 inches deep, to accommodate the long taproot of the beet plants. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can also add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
- Sow beet seeds directly into the pot, about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Cover the seeds lightly with the soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Place the pot in a sunny location where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to leave the strongest plants spaced 4-6 inches apart.
Harvesting the Beets
After you are done learning how to grow beets, knowing when and how to harvest and store them properly is crucial to getting the best flavor and texture from your beets.
When and How to Harvest
- Baby beets can be harvested when they’re about 1–2 inches in diameter for a tender, mild taste. Mature beets are ready when they reach 3–4 inches in diameter, mostly 50–70 days after planting.
- You can start harvesting the greens when they’re 4–6 inches tall. Cut a few leaves from each plant without stripping it entirely.
- Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the beet without piercing the root.
- Gently gather the leaves close to the soil and pull carefully. Brush off any excess soil but avoid washing until you’re ready to use them.
How to Store Beets
Freshly harvested beets can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, but for long-term storage there are different ways.
- First, cut the greens off the beets, leaving about an inch of stem attached.
- Place the roots in a sealed plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Which will help them last for up to 2–4 weeks.
- For long-term storage, you can place them in a cool, humid place like a root cellar, make a pickle to extend their shelf life and add a tangy flavor or keep them in freezer-safe bags or containers.