How do you grow beets for beginners?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Cultivation of beets begins with an understanding of their dual nature. These ruby-hued veggies nourish our bodies and soil as their greens are nutritionally dense and their taproots break up compacted earth. I have coached numerous novice gardeners through their first beet harvest, and I have learned that mistakes are part of the process. Just remember - to start, you need to have loose soil and a little patience and you should yield some kind of reward from greens to roots.
Soil Preparation
- Mix 3 inches of compost into top 8 inches of soil
- Test pH: 6.0-7.0 ideal (add lime if acidic, sulfur if alkaline)
- For clay soils: Aerate with garden fork before planting
Planting Strategy
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 3-4 inches apart in rows
- Start 2-4 weeks before last frost in spring
- Succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous harvest
Water management distinguishes between successful beets and failed crops. Young seedlings require a light misting each day, which I accomplish using a repurposed ketchup bottle for precision. Established plants consume 1 inch of water per week. Last year, during a drought year, my drip system saved an entire crop from splitting apart. Consistently watering bolsters against undesirable woody textures in cooked beets.
The timing of the harvest has an impact on flavor. Look at the roots' shoulders above the soil, and determine readiness at 1 1/2 inches. Gently twist the greens to avoid damaging the root. A kitchen scale in my kitchen registered 12 pounds of greens from one 4x4 bed last fall. Keep them in damp sand unwashed, and they will stay crisp for months.
Read the full article: How to Grow Beets: Expert Tips for Sweet Roots & Vibrant Greens
