PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Red beets, known for their vibrant color and earthy flavor, are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in salads, roasted, pickled, or juiced. They are relatively easy to grow and can be harvested for both their roots and greens. Growing red beets requires some attention to soil conditions and consistent care, but the rewards of fresh, homegrown beets are well worth it. This guide will help you cultivate healthy, productive red beet plants.

• Best Time to Plant:

  Beets are cool-season crops that can be planted in early spring and late summer. For a spring harvest, sow seeds directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. For a fall harvest, plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Beets can also be planted successively every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.

• Soil Type:

  Beets thrive in well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for beets is between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and improve soil structure. Beets prefer soil that retains moisture but drains well to prevent waterlogging. Avoid rocky or compacted soil, as it can lead to poorly formed roots.

• Spacing:

  Proper spacing is crucial for healthy growth and maximum yield. Sow beet seeds 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep and 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart in rows that are 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Once seedlings are 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) tall, thin them to 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) apart to allow each beet enough space to grow to its full size.

CARE TIPS

• Watering:

  Consistent moisture is essential for growing tender, flavorful beets. Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.

• Fertilizing:

  Beets are light feeders but can benefit from additional nutrients. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting time. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of root development. Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizers can provide a steady nutrient supply throughout the growing season.

• Pruning:

  Pruning is not typically necessary for beets, but you should remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. This also helps the plant direct more energy towards root development.

HARVESTING

• When to Harvest:

  Red beets are usually ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting, depending on growing conditions and the variety. Harvest beets when they have reached their mature size of about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. The tops of the beets should be vibrant green and healthy.

• How to Harvest:

  Use a garden fork or trowel to gently loosen the soil around the beets. Carefully pull the beets from the ground, gripping them by the base of the foliage. Avoid damaging the roots, as bruised beets do not store well. After harvesting, trim the tops to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the root to prevent moisture loss and store the beets in a cool, humid place.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Common Issues:

  •Flea Beetles: Small, black beetles that chew small holes in leaves, leading to reduced growth and vigor.

  •Leaf Miners: Insects that tunnel into the leaves, causing unsightly trails and reducing leaf quality.

  •Scab: A fungal disease causing rough, corky patches on the surface of the roots.

• Solutions:

  •Flea Beetles: Use row covers to protect young plants and apply insecticidal soap if necessary. Encouraging beneficial insects can also help control flea beetle populations.

  •Leaf Miners: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Use row covers to protect young plants and encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.

  •Scab: Ensure proper crop rotation and avoid planting beets in the same spot for consecutive years. Maintain proper soil pH and avoid excessive moisture.