How to Grow and Care for Beets

Beets, known for their vibrant colors and earthy flavor, are a gardener's delight. These cool-season crops are easy to grow and offer both delicious roots and nutritious greens. With varieties ranging from deep red to golden yellow, beets add visual appeal to any garden. They thrive in well-draining soil and require minimal care, making them perfect for beginners.

• Common Names: Beetroot, Garden Beet
• Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris
• Plant Type: Annual, cool-season vegetable
• Plant Height: 1-2 ft.
• Growing Difficulty: Easy
• Growing Time: 50-80 days
• Temperature: Ideal 50-85°F
• Hardiness Zone: 2-11 (Find your hardiness zone here)
• Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• Watering Frequency: Regular, consistent moisture
• Plant Spacing: Thin to 2-4 inches apart

Different Methods to Grow Beets

Direct Sowing

Direct sowing involves planting beet seeds directly into the garden soil. This method is straightforward and minimizes root disturbance.

• Pros: Simple process, less root disturbance.
• Cons: Requires careful soil preparation and consistent moisture.

Successive Plantings

Successive plantings involve sowing beet seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. This ensures a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

• Pros: Continuous harvest, better use of garden space.
• Cons: Requires regular attention and planning.

Growing in Pots

Growing beets in pots is ideal for those with limited garden space. Use a pot at least 10 inches deep with well-draining soil.

• Pros: Ideal for limited space, easier to control soil quality.
• Cons: Requires frequent watering, limited root space.

Ideal Soil and Location Requirements

Beets thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They require full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is free of rocks and obstructions for optimal root development.

When to Plant Beets

Plant beets in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and continue successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until mid-summer. For a fall harvest, sow seeds from mid-summer to early fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost. Beets thrive in cool temperatures of spring and fall.

Growing Beets Outdoors

The best method to grow beets outdoors is direct sowing. This method is the easiest because it avoids root disturbance and takes advantage of beets' cold tolerance, allowing them to be started directly in the garden soil.

1. Choose a sunny spot. Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining, fertile, and free of rocks. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil quality.
3. Sow seeds. Plant beet seeds ½-inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
4. Water consistently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Aim for about 1 inch of water per square foot per week.
5. Thin seedlings. Once the beet greens are 4 to 5 inches tall, thin the plants to 3 to 4 inches apart to allow room for root development.
6. Mulch and weed. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Weed gently around young plants to avoid disturbing their roots.
7. Monitor for pests. Use row covers to protect young plants from pests like leaf miners and flea beetles. Remove any infested leaves promptly.
8. Fertilize lightly. If necessary, use a balanced vegetable fertilizer, but avoid excess nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
9. Harvest beets. Beets are ready to harvest when the roots are 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter, typically 50-80 days after planting.

Growing Beets Indoors

Growing beets indoors is feasible with the right setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow beets successfully indoors.

1. Choose a deep pot. Use a pot that is at least 10 inches deep to allow ample room for root development.
2. Ensure good drainage. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Use well-draining soil. Fill the pot with a potting mix formulated for vegetables, ensuring it is light and rich in nutrients.
4. Place in a sunny spot. Position the pot in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, use grow lights.
5. Sow seeds. Plant beet seeds ½-inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. Cover them loosely with soil.
6. Keep soil moist. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
7. Thin seedlings. Once the seedlings are about 3 to 4 inches tall, thin them to 3 to 4 inches apart to allow room for growth.
8. Monitor growth. Ensure the plants receive adequate light and water. Adjust the position of grow lights if necessary.
9. Harvest beets. Beets are ready to harvest when the roots are 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter, typically 55-70 days after planting. Gently pull them from the soil.

To speed up germination, soak beet seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. This is especially useful in areas with low moisture and rainfall.

Caring for Beets

1. Water consistently: Beets need about 1 inch of water per week. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the soil from getting too warm. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
2. Monitor for pests: Common pests include leaf miners, flea beetles, and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants and consider introducing beneficial insects to control pest populations. For severe infestations, approved pesticides can be used.
3. Fertilize sparingly: Beets generally do not require much additional fertilizer if the soil is rich in organic matter. If needed, use a balanced vegetable fertilizer, but avoid high nitrogen levels to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
4. Harvest at the right time: Beets are typically ready to harvest 55-70 days after planting. The roots should be about 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Gently loosen the soil around the beet and pull it out, leaving at least 1 inch of the stem to avoid bleeding during cooking.
5. Store properly: Fresh beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, pack the roots in sand or sawdust and keep them in a cool, dry place. Beets can also be canned, pickled, or frozen for extended preservation.

Common Challenges With Beets

Beets are a resilient and easy-to-grow plant, making them a favorite among gardeners. They thrive in cool temperatures and can even withstand frost, which is great for northern gardeners. Beets grow quickly from seed and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for beginners. In my experience, as long as you provide them with well-draining soil and consistent moisture, they will reward you with vibrant roots and nutritious greens.

However, growing beets isn't without its challenges. One common issue is bolting, where the plant matures too quickly in warm weather. Pests like leaf miners and flea beetles can also be a nuisance, and diseases such as Cercospora leaf spot can affect the plants. Additionally, beets may struggle to form round roots if they receive too much nitrogen or are planted too deeply. Ensuring proper soil quality, adequate sunlight, and consistent watering can help mitigate these problems.

Safety of Beets for Pets

Beets are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. However, if you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of beet leaves, which contain oxalic acid, contact the ASPCA 24-hour hotline immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my beets not forming round roots?

Beets may fail to form round roots due to overcrowding, poor soil quality, or excessive nitrogen. Ensure proper spacing, use well-draining soil, and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to promote healthy root development.

Can beets grow in partial shade?

Yes, beets can tolerate partial shade, but they thrive best in full sun. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure optimal growth and root formation.

How do I prevent pests on my beet plants?

Use row covers to protect young plants from pests like leaf miners and flea beetles. Regularly inspect plants and remove any infested leaves. Introducing beneficial insects can also help control pest populations.

When should I harvest my beets?

Harvest beets when the roots are 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter, typically 55-70 days after planting. Gently loosen the soil around the beet and pull it out, leaving at least 1 inch of the stem to avoid bleeding during cooking.