when to plant beets

When to Plant Beets

Start your first round of beets in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. ...
In soil that's at least 50°F (10°C), germination takes place in 5 to 8 days. ...
For a fall harvest, sow beet seeds from mid-summer through early fall, starting about 4 to 6 weeks before your first fall frost.

What month do you plant beetroot?

Sow small batches at fortnightly intervals from March or April to July for a succession of tender, tasty roots. Choose bolt-resistant varieties for early sowings under cloches or fleece in late February or early March. You can sow without protection from late March onwards.

What is the best time to plant beets?

Like most vegetables, beets prefer growing in full sun and they like to get about 1" of water each week. Beets are cold tolerant, so they can be planted in early spring, several weeks before the last frost date.

When can you plant beets outside?

Direct sow late April to mid-July. Beets will not produce roots if planted when the soil is too cold. Seeds will germinate in 5-12 days, depending on soil temperature. Optimal soil temperature: 10-26°C (50-80°F).

Do beets come back every year?

Beets are an annual crop that is in the same plant family as spinach and chard. ... This crop yields a beautiful two-for-one harvest: Nutritious greens as well as nutrient dense roots. This makes them an efficient way to grow more produce with less work and with less space!

Can I leave beetroot in the ground over winter?

Unless the ground is needed for other crops, most root vegetables on well-drained soil can be left in the soil over winter. ... Beetroot is usually lifted as needed, but hard frost can damage the roots, so cover the bed in a 30cm (1ft) layer of straw, cardboard or bracken held down with netting or horticultural fleece.

How do you know beetroot is ready to harvest?

Depending on variety, beetroot is ready to be picked when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball - this is usually 90 days after sowing. To harvest, gently hold the tops and lift while levering under the root with a hand fork.

Should I soak beet seeds before planting?

Soaking Seed: Beets can be slow to germinate under normal conditions, and particularly so in the early spring. One way to speed things up is to soak beet seeds over night before planting. We use warm water with just a touch of liquid kelp. If you don't have kelp the soaking still benefits.

What happens if you leave beets in the ground too long?

The roots can be harvested at any size that suits you, from 'baby' beets up to chunky tennis ball size. Don't leave them in the ground for too long though, as they can become tough and woody. ... Don't cut the leaves off or trim the roots, or they will 'bleed' and make a terrible mess!

Do beets need full sun?

Exposure – Beet seeds need full sun and cool temperatures to thrive. Beets are a cool season crop and planted in spring and fall. Full sun is considered to be 6 hours plus of UV light. This means even if it is cloudy, on a clear day that area of your garden would be in full sun for 6 or more hours.

Is it too late to plant beets?

For a fall harvest, sow beet seeds from mid-summer through early fall, starting about 4 to 6 weeks before your first fall frost. Winter crops are a definite possibility in Zone 9 and warmer. Plant beets in early to late fall for a winter harvest.

How many beets does a plant produce?

Each beet seed produces 2 to 6 plants. Space the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in the row. Cover seeds lightly with loose soil and sprinkle with water. Use seed treated with a fungicide to prevent the young plants from rotting.

How cold can beets tolerate?

Semi-hardy vegetables that can withstand light frost of air temperatures in the range of 28 to 32 degrees include beets, spring market carrots, parsnip, lettuce, chard, pea, Chinese cabbage, endive, radicchio, cauliflower, parsley and celery.

Can beets survive a freeze?

Semi-hardy vegetables are those which can survive repeated light frosts in the 30–32˚F range. ... These include beets, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, celery, collards, green onions, potatoes, Bibb and leaf lettuce, mustard, parsnips, radishes, salsify, spinach, and Swiss chard.

What happens if you don't thin beets?

Of all the mistakes that are made growing beets, failing to thin seedlings is probably the most common. ... And crowded beets aren't happy beets — you'll get plenty of beet tops, but only spindly roots beneath the soil. You can allow your seedlings to get about 5 inches tall before you thin.

How do you overwinter beets?

Overwintering Beets

By covering the beet's exposed root tops with soil, mulch or straw, you can protect them from cold temperatures while storing them in the garden. When freezing weather is forecast, harvest the beets before the soil freezes.

How long should you leave beets in the ground?

They will keep for one to two weeks. Best Long Term Storage Method: Beets can be stored in damp sand in a cool (32°F to 40°F), humid (95 percent) place such as a root cellar for two to five months.

Can beetroot regrow?

Like the latest trend, regrowing your vegetable scraps. It's like magic: the top of a beet can flourish into a whole growth of beet greens eventually giving you more beets! Your scallions, celery, and carrots magically reappear!

Can you grow beets in winter?

Beets can tolerate frost but will go to seed if temperatures are too cold. Grow beets as a winter crop in mild-winter regions. Late plantings that mature through winter will be the sweetest because the roots store sugars during cool weather.

Are beetroot leaves poisonous?

Beet greens are under-loved. ... But rest assured, unlike rhubarb (who has poisonous leaves), beet greens are totally safe, completely edible, and extremely yummy. You can prepare your leaves much like you would kale. Simply pull the leaves off of the stem, give them a rinse and chop them up.

How much water do beets need?

Generally speaking, a good watering schedule for beets provides an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week. This is a combination of rainwater and supplemental irrigation.

Why are my beets so small?

Small beets can result from a variety of conditions: Lack of light: While beets will grow and produce with only five hours of light, they will not thrive. Six or more hours of sun are preferred. Crowding: Beets need space to develop so difficult as it is, they should be thinned.