Planting companion plants with beets is a great way to diversify your garden. Certain plants can support beets by repelling various pests that feed on beet greens, while others may enrich the soil.
But which companions are beneficial and which ones should you avoid?
Let’s take a look at the good and bad 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 cultivate them, it’s important to choose the right neighbors to place next to them.
When it comes to selecting what to plant with beets, several vegetables, herbs, and even flowers, are good choices.
Some of the best companions for beets include:
- Lettuce
- Rosemary
- Dill
- Bush beans
- Catnip
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Mint
- Marigolds
- Rutabaga
- Corn
- Cauliflower
- Hyssop
- Onions
- Nasturtiums
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Basil
- Radish
- Cabbage
A few of these plants help repel pests like flea beetles and aphids. These pests can cause damage to your beet crop.
Some of these plants may also provide shade for beet roots, thrive in cooler temperatures just like beets, among other things.
What Not to Plant With Beets
Planting certain vegetables with beets can cause a decrease in yields due to competition for water and nutrients in the soil. Certain plants may also attract pests and diseases to your beetroot crop.
As a rule of thumb, avoid planting pole beans in the same bed as beets.
More than that though, beets also don’t get along well with…
- Fennel
- Swiss chard
- Field mustard
How to Grow Beets
This is a crop for the cool season. However, it grows rapidly in full sunlight. Beets also thrive in rich soil that drains well.
Plant the seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, and 2-4 inches apart. To speed up the germination, soak seeds 24 hours before planting. Finally, when the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height, thin them.
Plant beetroots at the right time according to your climate. Watering beets regularly also keeps them tender and helps prevent discoloration.
Another point to remember is that growing beets in soil rich with nutrients does not require extra fertilizer.
Garden Pests
As with any other plant, beetroot comes with a few nuisance critters. Some of the more problematic pests that can ruin your beets include blister beetles, aphids, cutworms, and beet leafhoppers.
Keeping an eye out for these critters is important in preventing infestations.
Fortunately, all these pests can be controlled if caught early, by using an organic pest control solution like neem oil.
Be sure to check up on your beets regularly to ensure they’re free from garden pests!
Plant Diseases
Beets are a great plant 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 happy.
Some of the most common plant diseases that affect beetroot are bacterial blight, beet curly top, damping off, and downy mildew [2].
Research these plant problems and take the necessary steps to treat them naturally.
If your beet plants have any unmanageable disease, you should remove the affected plants from the garden and discard them. Also, rotate crops regularly.
How to Harvest
Harvesting beetroots is one of the great benefits of growing them in your garden. They are typically ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after planting.
It’s a simple test to know if your beets are ready for harvest. Just remove the soil or mulch from around them.
Now check to see if the crowns stick out above the ground. You can be sure that your beets are ready to harvest if you see an inch or so showing above the soil line.
If so, 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 out of the ground, as its skin is very thin and delicate.
How to Store
When storing beets, you should also clean any dirt off their roots first and cut off the leaves.
Once they are cleaned and stalks are trimmed, store beets in a plastic bag or airtight container in your fridge’s vegetable drawer for up to two weeks. Doing this helps locker in their sweetness and crunchiness.
You can also freeze your beets for up to 18 months by blanching them first. Blanching involves boiling or steaming them for a few minutes before quickly cooling them down with 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 you’re shopping for seeds, look for good quality. Some seed stores specialize in organic or heirloom varieties that are not treated with pesticides or fungicides.
Takeaway
To sum up, there are many easy-to-find and easy-to-grow companions for beetroot that will enhance your gardening efforts and improve yields.
On the other hand, there are also some plants to avoid if you want to grow beets successfully. When it comes to plant companions, the right mix of plants and techniques can help you get the most out of your beet harvests. So, choose carefully.
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