Growing a batch of ruby red and gold colored beets is something every novice gardener should try. Beets thrive in many growing regions and can be planted twice a year, in spring and fall. Every part of the plant is edible and nutritious. See the next steps to learn the easy process of growing these little gems!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Plant
Step 1. Choose the beet variety to plant
There are different varieties of beets and each has a different growing season. Check the number of days the beets need to mature and choose the one that is most suitable for your area. When you have decided on a variety, purchase a few packets of seeds of the type you have chosen. It is easier to grow beets from seeds, because they are difficult to transplant.
- Dark red Detroit beets are the classic blood red color, and are ideal for roasting or boiling.
- Golden Burpee beets have a mild, buttery flavor and look wonderful in salads. Golden beet seeds are a little tough, so make sure you have more in case some don't germinate.
- Chioggia beets have red and white circles inside when sliced to open them.
- Wonder Tall Top early beets are a good variety to choose if you are growing beets primarily for the leaves, rather than the roots.
Step 2. Prepare to plant in the spring and fall
Plant beets in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and the soil temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius. Beets can usually withstand a frost or two (although they shouldn't be exposed to too low a temperature), however they don't grow well in hot weather - as this tends to cause the roots to harden.
To avoid excess frost, plant beets just after the last frost of the year in spring. In the fall, plant when the temperature has cooled and is consistently below 24 degrees Celsius. Make the last sowing at least a month before the onset of cold, freezing temperatures
Step 3. Prepare the seedbed or pot
Beets don't need a lot of space to grow, so you can plant them in a small batch or in a pot. If you plant beets in the soil, prepare the soil with a garden cultivator by pushing yourself to a depth of 30 cm. The soil must have no stones so that the root can form properly. Add compost and organic matter to the soil to enrich it. The best soil is loose and sandy, with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0.
- Choose a place exposed to full sun; also beets do not grow well in partial shade conditions.
- Beet roots develop best when they have an abundance of potassium. You can add bone meal to the soil to provide extra potassium if your soil isn't particularly rich in it.
Step 4. Plan to plant beets along with other vegetables
Beets don't take up much space in a garden, so they can develop well alongside other cold season vegetables. For example, radishes are planted and harvested before beets, so planting them in the bed prepared for beets is a good way to prepare the soil for their next crop. Also you can grow beets along with onions, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and green beans in your garden.
Step 5. Wet the seeds
Beet seeds are a bit tough, so it's a good idea to wet them to soften them so they can germinate more easily. Put the beet seeds in a bowl and pour hot water over it. Let them soak overnight before planting them. Make sure you plant them the next day after soaking.
Part 2 of 3: Planting and Caring for Beets
Step 1. Sow the seeds in one row
Use a garden hoe to form a row and water it well before planting. Sow the seeds along the row, plant them about 1.25 cm deep and 5 to 7.5 cm spacers. Place a group of seeds at each point of the row; they will probably sprout several seedlings, but this will give you a better chance in case some seeds fail to germinate. Additional rows should be planted 30 - 45cm apart.
Step 2. Always keep the line moist
Water the seeds well; they will germinate after 3-5 days if kept constantly moist. To prevent them from drying out, you can put a piece of burlap over the rows for the first few days after planting; water the canvas directly. Eliminate it when you see the seedlings begin to sprout.
Step 3. Thin out the seedlings
Thin out the seedlings so that they are about 7.5 cm apart when they have reached 7 - 8 cm in height. Beets need this space to develop their roots.
Step 4. Take care of the seedlings
Continue watering the beets as they grow and make sure you remove all grass and weeds. If you see beet roots sticking out of the ground, cover them with a light layer of mulch.
Step 5. Plant more beets
Stagger beet planting approximately every 2-3 weeks if you wish to have beets to harvest over a long period. If not, all the beets and beet tops will be ready for harvesting in a short time. You can do this in the spring or fall.
Part 3 of 3: Collecting and Storing Beets
Step 1. Collect the leaves early
Beet leaves are best when they are tender and small, no taller than 10 - 13cm. They can be harvested once they reach about 5 - 8 cm. Use a pair of scissors to cut the leaves. Make sure you leave a few leaves above the roots so they can continue to grow.
Beetroot leaves cannot be kept in the refrigerator for a long time. It is best to eat them either on the same day you cut them or a day or two later at the latest
Step 2. Gather the roots later
They are ready to be harvested when they are 2.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter. Pull the beets out of the ground gently or dig up them. Leave about 2.5cm of leaves at the top so the root stays intact and keeps longer. Clean the soil from the beets with cold water, being careful not to bruise them.
Step 3. Store the beets
They can be kept in the cellar or in the refrigerator for several months. When you're ready to use them, prepare the beets by roasting or boiling them. Try one of these delicious recipes:
- Borscht - a classic beetroot soup that tastes delicious in winter.
- Beetroot gratin - a healthy spin on food that feels good.
- Beetroot Salad - This light, summery dish is very nutritious.
