In this post, we’ll teach you how to grow beets at home. This is a great vegetable because it’s relatively easy to cultivate, and you can use both seeds and scraps to get started.
You’ll learn the basics of growing beets from seeds as well as how to regrow them from scraps.
Let’s get started!
When to Plant?
The short answer is that beets don’t do well in hot weather. Therefore, the best time to plant them is in the cool temperatures of the fall and spring [1].
How Long Does It Take to Grow?
It depends on the variety you’re planting. Some beets take as little as 45 days to reach harvest, while others can take up to 65 days.
But the average time is 7 to 8 weeks to reach maturity after they’re planted.
Spacing
When planting beets, it’s important to give them enough space to grow.
If you’re using seeds, space them 1 to 2 inches apart in rows and sow them about half an inch deep. After sprouting enough, thin them 3 to 4 inches apart.
How to Grow Beets from Seeds
Beetroot is a great spring or fall vegetable to grow.
Choose a spot in your garden that doesn’t get too much sun. Next, dig a hole that’s about twice the size of the seed and place the seed in the hole.
Cover the seed with soil and water it thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the beetroot seedlings emerge, which should take about 5 to 12 days.
Once the beetroot seedlings have emerged, thin them out (as outlined above) so that there’s only one plant per hole.
And if you don’t have ample space outside to place a garden or can’t be bothered with outdoor gardening, you’ll need to consider using a container.
Try to get one that’s at least six inches deep. Next, you’ll want to put in soil that is rich in organic matter.
After that, bury the seeds about half an inch deep and then cover them with soil. Now keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Once the beets pop their little heads out of the soil, you can start watering the little seedlings. Don’t forget to weed your container garden regularly because this root vegetable doesn’t like to compete for space.
Planting Beets From Scraps
You can plant beets to grow more beets!
Just cut off the top (not more than one-third of the beet) and then plant it (cut-side down) in some soil, but do not bury the stem with the leaves. Now, wait patiently for the beets to grow in a few weeks.
Another trick is to grow the tops in water. Put enough water (rainwater is best) in a container that will cover the cut end. Next, place the container on the windowsill where it can get some sunlight.
In a few days, sooner than you think, you’ll begin to see new leaves. Change the water every couple of days.
Growing in Pots
If you’re new to gardening, growing beets in pots is a great way to get started. It’s easy and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Just get a pot or container that’s at least 8 inches deep and has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Fill it with a good-quality potting mix and sprinkle the seeds on top. Next, sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the little gems and water gently.
It’s a shade-tolerant root crop, but keep an eye on the water level; they need to stay moist but not drenched. You should start to see germination in 5 to 12 days.
The tops can also regrow beets from scraps in containers, as outlined above.
Fertilizer Requirements
You’ll want to use fertilizer that has less nitrogen than potassium and phosphate. Geoflora is a good option.
Once your beets are up and growing, give them a good feeding every three weeks or so.
You can also use manure, but it’s important to make sure it’s aged or composted first, or you’ll risk burning your plants. Also, work it well into the soil before planting.
Watering Needs
Make sure you water the plants regularly and give them enough sunlight.
If you’re starting with seeds, you can plant them in the ground or in containers. Just follow the steps above.
If you’re starting from scraps, just place the scrap in a jar of water and wait for it to grow roots. Then, transplant it into rich soil and water it regularly.
Companion Planting
By planting different crops together, you can create a synergy that helps them all grow better.
For example, if you plant beets next to onions, garlic, and other members of the Allium family, these crops will help keep away pests that are a nuisance to beets.
And if you plant beets next to bush beans, the beans will help improve the soil for your beets. Pretty cool, right?
Pests
There are a few different kinds of pests to keep an eye out for when growing beets.
One is the leaf miner. Other pests you need to watch out for are aphids, flea beetles, beet webworms, spider mites, and cutworms. These can severely damage or even kill the plant.
So how can you protect your plants from these pesky pests? Well, one way is to use homemade and organic pesticides to get rid of them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew is a common one. Other plant diseases and conditions that may affect this crop include bacterial leaf spot, beet rust, beet yellow virus, damping off, and root and crown rot.
Try a few or a combination of these home remedies and organic products to fight these plant diseases.
How to Harvest Beets
Plan to harvest about 2 months after planting. First, loosen the soil around the bulbs and gently tug them to pull them from the soil.
Next, brush off the dirt and bury the beets in sand or sawdust for long-term storage in a cool, dry place.
You can also wash fresh beets and store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Where to Buy Seeds
We recommend buying high-quality, organic seeds online at SeedsNow. Whether it’s red beets, yellow beets, white beets, or purple beets, you can find the seeds you want.
Takeaway
There you have it! You now know how to plant beets in your home garden, care for them, and harvest them. Beet greens are also delicious, so don’t forget to eat those too.
Beets are a great crop to cultivate in your backyard garden, and they’re also easy to care for. So why not give it a try?
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