How to Grow Beets
Instructions for Growing Beets
in Your Vegetable Garden
| Nutrition | Watering Instructions | Harvesting |
| Climate | Fertilizing Instructions | Storage |
| Soil | Challenges | Tips |
| Planting |
There are two types of beets generally available for home gardening, named for the root shape: “globe” and “long” beet. While the root is normally red/purple, varieties are available in other colors also. The root is the primary harvest, but the tender young leaves are delicious in salads or cooked as greens.
Gardening Tip for Growing Beets - Do not plant beets near pole beans or mustard plants. See: companion planting.
How to Grow Beets - Nutrition Information
Leaves: calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and iron (higher than spinach!)
Roots: chromium, folic acid, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, fiber and carbohydrates in the form of natural digestible sugars.
How to Grow Beets - Climate & Growing Conditions
Growing Beets is usually successful in most climates. However, beets grow best in cooler climates. (Growing beets in hot weather tends to make the roots tough.)
Beets will grow in either sun or partial shade.
How to Grow Beets - Preparing the Garden Soil
Soil requirements for growing beets: deep, loose soils, high in organic matter, well limed, and that drain well. (Garden soil that is hard will stunt the plant's growth). For growing beets, the soil pH should be 6.0-7.5 (See how to test your garden soil pH level.)
Gardening Tip for Growing Beets - Beets do not like competition. However, be careful not to damage the beet roots as you’re weeding.
How to Grow Beets - Planting
As early in the spring as you can work the soil, till the garden bed deeply. Prepare trenches 4” deep, 3” wide and in rows 16” apart. Place a shallow layer of fertilizer or compost in the trench, and cover with 3" of soil. Lay seeds on top then fill trench with more soil. Keep soil most but not soggy until seedlings appear. Thin very young seedlings to 1” apart and later to 3” as the roots swell. (You can use the thinned steamed plants as a greens, like spinach.)
Gardening Tip for Growing Beets - For a continuous supply of beets throughout the season, make additional plantings 3 weeks apart.
How to Grow Beets - Watering
When growing beets, water them frequently. (If the garden soil dries out, your beets will be tough.)
How to Grow Beets - Fertilizing Beets
In new garden beds, use a complete fertilizer. But if planting in an established bed that was fertilized last season, you probably don't need much fertilizer.
How to Grow Beets - Gardening Challenges
Beets rarely have any problems.
Gardening Tip for Growing Beets - Practice good vegetable gardening by rotating your crops within your garden space with each new season. This will prevent many plant diseases.
How to Grow Beets - Harvesting
Beets mature after growing approximately 3-4 months, depending upon the area and conditions. Harvest before the plant goes to seed, and before a severe frost.
Harvest by twisting the tops off (not cut) or the roots may “bleed.”
How to Grow Beets - Storage
Cold Storage
After lifting the beets from the soil, twist off the tops (do not cut). Store in boxes, in layers of sand, straw, or peat in your cellar.
How to Freeze Vegetables - BEETS
How to Dehydrate Vegetables - BEETS
Gardening Tips From Our Readers
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Note: the advice and information contained herein is based upon our experience and study. As with any advice, please apply at your own discretion.