Before our ancestors learned to grow their own food, they foraged wild beets as well as other root crops. So knowing that this root vegetable has been popular for thousands of years should tell us something about it – it has survived because it is easy to grow, and people love it!
If you have a sweet tooth, you may be interested to know that sugar beets are one of the major sources of sugar in the United States and Europe. It is a type of beet that is grown specifically to produce sugar. So I realized that beets can get a bad reputation because of their taste.
The United States is a major producer of beets, with most of the crop grown in the northern Great Plains, especially North Dakota and Minnesota. Commercially grown beets in the United States are used primarily for sugar production. However, I can teach you how to grow them in your backyard because they can be grown in areas all over the country!
Things to Know Before Planting Beets
Beets are a cool-season crop that can only tolerate light frost, so they are typically planted in early spring or late summer in most areas. The USDA best hardiness zones for beets are 2-10.
Beets are often planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked in cool areas, but in warmer areas, they must be planted in the fall for a winter crop. They prefer cool temperatures and will go to seed faster in hot weather, so timing your planting to avoid temperature extremes is crucial. However, they will also go to seed without forming roots if it is too cold during the young plants’ lives.
In most areas, beets can be grown as annuals, but if you are in a temperate climate, you can grow them every two years, harvesting the roots the first year and the following year, and leaving the plant in the ground to produce seeds. .
Know your soil!
It is always helpful to know the pH, salinity, organic matter, nutrients and texture of your soil to determine the best ways to manage your fields and gardens. For example, if the soil pH is not within the acceptable range for beets, they will not be able to access the nutrients in the soil, no matter how much you fertilize them.
So, before planting beets, test the soil pH using an inexpensive soil testing kit, which can be found at almost any garden center. The pH level must be maintained between 6.0 and 7.5 for successful beet growth. If you get a pH higher than that, you can add sulfur to lower it. If it is lower than the recommended pH, you can add lime, which will raise it. The ideal soil for beets is sandy loam.
Before planting beets, you should use compost, well-rotted manure or other organic matter to improve the soil structure and fertility. Beetroot needs these nutrients to provide successful growth.
Beets also need adequate soil moisture, although they will not tolerate wet or waterlogged soil. They also need good drainage, so you should plant them in raised beds or piling rows, eliminating any potential excess water, or plant them in poorly drained areas.
When and How to Plant Beets
In general, beets can be planted as soon as the soil can work in the spring, usually about 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.
Beets can also be planted in late summer to provide a fall crop with shorter growing seasons in cooler climates. Beets can tolerate light frost but do not grow well in hot weather, so it is best to avoid planting them in the hottest part of summer. Instead, grow it as a winter crop in the southern United States.
To determine the best time to plant beets in your area, check with your local extension office for the best times and planting methods.
Here’s an overview of how to determine a bet:
First, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Plant beet seeds directly in the ground or in containers about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7 to 10 days, keep the soil wet.
Thin plants (a beet seed pod contains more than one seed) when they reach about 2-3 inches tall, leaving about 3-4 inches between plants, allowing each beet room to grow.
Water the beets regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet.
Fertilize beets monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 8-8-8).
Beets are harvested when they are about 1-2 inches in diameter, usually about 60-70 days after planting (some can be allowed to grow taller, but will be tough and woody). After that, you can pull the entire plant from the ground or just harvest the beets.
You can twist the leaves and cook them like spinach.
Companion Planting Recommended
The National Gardening Association recommends growing beets with companion plants such as carrots, onions and lettuce, while avoiding plants such as beans and fennel that may compete for nutrients or stunt growth.
Other horticultural organizations, such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac, recommend companion planting of beets and offer guidance and advice on which plants to grow together and which to avoid (avoid selecting those plants that do not have competitive root systems, as this can inhibit growth).
Insects that can damage beets.
Pests can be a problem with beets like any other plant. Here are some common pests that can harm beets:
Cutworms are nocturnal larvae that feed on stems at ground level, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. One of the most effective ways to control cutworms is to physically remove them from plants. For example, using a flashlight, you can find them when they are active at night and remove them from plants. Placing a physical barrier around the trunk can also prevent them from reaching the plant.
Leafminers are small larvae that feed on leaves and cause brown, curly paths. It can weaken the plant and reduce yield.
Aphids suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. They can also transmit viruses to plants.
Flea beetles feed on leaves, leaving small, round holes that can weaken the plant and transmit diseases.
Root maggots are small larvae that feed on roots, causing stunted growth and wilting and yellowing of leaves. It can also cause the roots to become distorted and unusable.
Proper pest management (crop rotation, insecticide spraying, and pest monitoring) can help minimize the effects of problems on your beetles. Companion planting techniques can also help deter pests and improve overall plant health.
