Sasha CampbellPlanting companion plants with beets is a great way to diversify your garden.
Some companion plants may help reduce pests, attract helpful insects, or make better use of garden space. Others simply grow well alongside beets.
But which companions are beneficial, and which ones should you avoid?
Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of companion planting with beets. We’ll explore which plants can help support your beets.
And for those plants that don’t work well with beetroot, I’ll share some tips to ensure you don’t plant them in the same bed.
Good Companion Plants for Beets
Beets are a garden favorite for many gardeners. However, when you grow them, it is essential to choose the right neighbors to plant alongside them.
For beets, you can pick from several great companion plants. Many vegetables, herbs, and flowers are good choices.
Some of the best companions for beets include:
- Lettuce
- Dill
- Bush beans
- Catnip
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Mint
- Marigolds
- Cauliflower
- Hyssop
- Onions
- Nasturtiums
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Basil
- Radish
- Cabbage
Bush beans may help improve soil over time by adding nitrogen through their roots. Mint may help repel some insects, but it spreads quickly, so it is best grown in a container.
Other companion plants, such as marigolds, garlic, onions, and dill, may help discourage certain pests or attract helpful insects to your garden.
What Not to Plant with Beets
Planting certain vegetables with beets can reduce yields due to competition for water and nutrients in the soil. Certain plants may also attract pests and diseases to your beet crop.
Many gardeners recommend keeping pole beans away from beets because they may compete for sunlight and nutrients.
More than that, though, beets also do not get along well with fennel, field mustard, and Swiss chard.
Swiss chard is closely related to beets. Growing them together may increase competition for nutrients and make it easier for some pests and diseases to spread.
Why Companion Planting Works
Companion planting works best when plants have similar needs for sunlight, water, and soil. Beets grow well with vegetables and herbs that enjoy cool weather and do not compete heavily for space, water, or nutrients.
How to Grow Beets
Beetroot is a crop that thrives in cool weather. However, it grows rapidly in full sunlight. Beets also grow best in rich, well-draining soil.
Plant the seeds about ½ inch to 1 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart.
To speed up germination, soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting. Finally, when the seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches in height, thin them out to the desired spacing.
Plant beets during the cool season in your area, either in early spring or late summer to early fall, depending on your climate. Regular watering also keeps beets tender and helps prevent discoloration.
If your soil is rich in organic matter, beets usually need little or no extra fertilizer. If growth is slow or your soil is poor, a balanced fertilizer or compost can help.
Garden Pests
As with any other plant, beets come with a few common garden pests. Some of the more problematic pests that can ruin your beets include blister beetles, aphids, cutworms, and beet leafhoppers.
Check your plants often so you can catch pests before they become a problem.
Many of these pests can be managed if caught early by using organic methods such as hand-picking, floating row covers, and encouraging beneficial insects.
Be sure to check your beets regularly to ensure they’re free of garden pests!
Plant Diseases
Beets are great plants to have in your garden, but they’re also susceptible to some common plant diseases. Knowing what to look for will help keep your crop healthy and productive.
Some of the most common plant diseases affecting beetroot are bacterial blight, beet curly top, damping-off, and downy mildew [1].
Learn the signs of these diseases so you can treat them early using natural methods whenever possible.
If your beet plants have any unmanageable diseases, you should remove the affected plants from the garden and discard them. Also, rotate crops regularly.
How to Harvest
Harvesting beets is one of the great benefits of growing them in your garden. They are typically ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after planting.
Most beets are ready to harvest when the roots are about 1½ to 3 inches wide, depending on the variety. Gently brush away the soil around the top of the root to check its size.
Begin harvesting by using a spading fork or shovel to dig around the base of the root and lift it from the soil. Be sure to handle the beet carefully when you pull it from the ground, as its skin is delicate.
How to Store
When storing beets, gently brush the soil off the roots and cut off the leaves, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached. This helps reduce moisture loss during storage.
After cleaning and trimming the stalks, put the beets in a plastic bag or an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for 2 to 4 weeks. Doing this helps lock in their sweetness and crunch.
You can also freeze your beets for up to 18 months by first blanching them. Blanching involves boiling or steaming them for a few minutes, then quickly cooling them in cold water or an ice bath.
Still, there are other vegetable storage methods, such as pickling, that you can try.
Where to Buy Seeds
You can buy seeds in most garden centers and home improvement stores. Many online retailers also carry them.
When shopping for seeds, look for high-quality ones. Some seed stores specialize in organic or heirloom varieties that are not treated with pesticides or fungicides.
Takeaway
In summary, you can find many companions for beetroot. These plants are simple to grow and can help create a healthier, more productive garden.
On the other hand, there are also some plants to avoid if you want to grow beets successfully.
Choosing the right companion plants can help you grow healthier beets, reduce pest problems, and enjoy a better harvest.
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