Growing Beets
Beets are an under appreciated vegetable. Baked beets are a sweet, rich, flavorful treat that is easy to prepare. Red beets pickled in a raspberry vinaigrette are delectable, but the health benefits of the humble beet are numerous.
8-10 lb. per acre or 1 oz. to 100 ft. row. Packet will sow 20 ft. Soil: should be rich, deeply plowed, preferably heavy loam. When
to: Plant as early in the spring as possible (beets will stand light frosts) or may be started in hotbed and transplanted for extra early. For a
continuous harvest, plant at 3-week intervals to Aug. 1. Rows: 16″-20″ apart. Depth: 1″- 1 1/2″. Thin: 2″-3″apart. Beets for greens are sometimes grown in the greenhouse during the winter months or planted thickly in the garden. Minimum soil temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit at 4 inch depth.
Good companion crops are onions, kohlrabi, carrots, lettuce and cabbage. Bad companions are beans, peas and sage.
Growing Beets
Beets are an under appreciated vegetable. Baked beets are a sweet, rich, flavorful treat that is easy to prepare. Red beets pickled in a raspberry vinaigrette are delectable, but the health benefits of the humble beet are numerous.
Beet seeds can be planted early in spring and throughout the season for a continuous supply. However, they are a cool weather crop. Beets tolerate light frost and light shade. Loose loamy soil or sandy soil is ideal. Plant 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ deep in rows 16″ to 20″ apart. Thin seedlings to 3″ apart. Our onion thinner makes that task quick and easy. Beet roots should be covered with light mulch or soil as they push up through the ground. Keep evenly moist during growing season.
Good companion crops are onions, kohlrabi, carrots, lettuce and cabbage. Bad companions are beans, peas and sage.