What month is best to plant beets?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Beet seeds are specifically scheduled against *frost dates* and *soil temperature.* In my garden situated in Zone 5, I plant beets in April and my cousin who lives in Arizona plants beets in October. However, the ideal time varies according to soil temperature too. An optimized soil temperature is between *50-75°F (10-24°C)*. Simply poke into the earth, if it is workable and crumbly, the seeds will leap out of the ground grown!
Seasonal Timing
- Cool climates: Sow 2-4 weeks before last spring frost
- Warm climates: Plant late summer for winter harvest
- Avoid sowing when temps exceed 85°F (29°C)
Regional Adjustments
- North: Start seeds under row covers in April
- South: Use shade cloth for late summer plantings
- Coastal: Leverage fog for extended cool seasons
Soil preparation separates trophy roots from mediocre beets. I till in 3 inches of compost 2 weeks before planting, allowing microbes to become activated. Check your pH, and make sure it is in the range of 6.0-7.0 to prevent nutrient lockout. My modifications of limestone last fall may have just saved my crop from acidic doom. Loose soil, yields straight roots, every time.
By utilizing fabric row covers, you can extend your growing season.These row covers trap heat so that you can grow seedlings and seeds in early spring, and protect from sudden frost.My October sowings covered with fleece row covers produced a harvest that lasted until Christmas.If you have summer heatwaves, a 30% shade cloth will prevent the sun from baking the soil and seeds.
Read the full article: How to Grow Beets: Expert Tips for Sweet Roots & Vibrant Greens
