beetroot are an easy - to - grow , nutritious veggie that can be grown at least three time of year of the class . They can be pickled or ferment , canned and frozen ( cook them first ) , or even stored in the garden .
Beet Varieties
Beets fare in a assortment of vividness , flavors and shapes :
Growing Season for Beets
beet are believe a cool season harvest . They can outlive rime and near - immobilise temperatures . In the coldest expanse they may need a mulch . Depending on your zona and microclimate , this mean you might be able to plant common beet in the spring as well as the late summer to fall . In zone 9 and above , you may be able to embed beets in the wintertime as well .
Where to Plant Beets
Like most vegetable , beets prefer full Lord’s Day . However , they do have a sure degree of tint tolerance , particularly if you are more interested in greens than rootage . They should still have about six hours of sun per day for unspoilt evolution . Soil depth depends on the variety show . For most garden beetroot , 12 column inch is sufficient . They can be turn in the garden , in raise beds and in containers .
Best Soil for Beets
As antecedent craw , beets like a well - work , crumbly soil . beetroot opt a soil pH above 5.5 to 6 to prevent scrubby growth . Till in aged manure or compost before planting to furnish humus and nutrients . A high daystar level promotes better sprouting . Go easy on nitrogen , as it will result in scores of leafage and minimal root development . Mrs. Henry Wood ashes ( just a sprinkle ) can allow for potassium and increase heartiness .
How to Plant Beets
Seeding depth should be ½ inch deeply , about 2 inches apart . Seedlings will call for to be thinned , especially if you choose heirloom variety show . Once they sprout , you should thin the beets to 4 inches apart . The space between rows will be dependent on whether you are hired man weed or tilling for skunk control ; 12 inch rows are common . beet can also be planted intensively on 4 - inch plaza .
When to Plant
Although beets prefer cool weather , they willgerminatebest if soil temporary have reached a consistent 50 ° F ( 10 ° cytosine ) . charge plate mulch or an former window frame place on the seeding field can help increase ground temperature . If plant in summer for a fall crop , shade off the row or deal with moist burlap to better germination and prevent soil crusting .
Thinning Beets
Because the beet germ capsule contains more than one seed , they must be thinned . fragile when the industrial plant are about 2 column inch in high spirits . pluck up individual plants can damage the root of remain beet ; it ’s better to cut the seedling with sharp pointed scissors . The cutting can be washed and used in salads or soup .
Transplanting Beets
Beets can be transplanted , but the root are shallow and the plant is easy damaged . It is generally better to imbed with more space between the plants than to count on transplantation to reach right spatial arrangement . If you transplant , make trusted to take enough soil around the roots to prevent damage and perform the task before the bulb start to develop .
How to Fertilize Beets
beet planted in properly prepared soil do n’t unremarkably ask to be inseminate . This is particularly unfeigned if you use compost to mulch the industrial plant . However , foliar alimentation with a pee - soluble 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer sprayer may be used . verify your plant food is not high in nitrogen . Avoid manure , especially if fresh .
How to Water Beets
wet is critical for proper germination . In dry climate , Beta vulgaris seeds will burgeon forth better if soaked for 24 hours just prior to planting . Water well – an column inch of water per calendar week is the downright minimum , and two inch is better in most climates . It ’s of import to use a sprinkler or soaker hose to keep soil from being wash away . A mulch will serve hold moisture .
When to Harvest
Most beet change are ready for harvesting at 50 to 70 day after planting . Some may be allowed to grow longer , but they are probable to be tough and woody . Generally , a beet about two inches in diameter is ideal from the standpoint of heart and flavor . Beet greens can be harvested any time they have grown at least 6 inch long .
Plant Companions for Beets
fellow traveller plantingrecommendations for beets vary depending on the generator . Most sources recommend planting beets near cole crops such as Brassica oleracea italica , lolly , cauliflower , Brussels pullulate and Brassica oleracea gongylodes . Beta vulgaris are also reputed to be a good fellow to onions , chard and terminal bean . However , they do n’t seem to develop as well next to rod beans , and dislike being plant next to field mustard ( charlock ) .
Diseases
A fungal disease call Cercospora leaf spot can occur in warm humid weather , especially in poorly nurture plants . Beets can also be attacked by other fungal , bacterial and viral disease . Maintain high soil fecundity with compost , rotate industrial plant and make indisputable they are thin properly . In the family garden , diseases are rarely a major problem .
Pests
rabbit love beetroot , specially the greens , and field mouse often attack the roots . in force fencing helps keep out the rabbits and cats will hunt the voles . Flea beetle and leaf mineworker are typical garden plague . Flea beetles rarely do enough damage to be a problem and sound plants rapidly outgrow any damage . Leaf miners feed inside the leaf – good to trend and cauterize or compost infected leaves .
Growing Beets in Containers
Beta vulgaris seedlings are easily grown in container ; fertile soil is vital . Make certain the pot is at least 12 inches deep and maintain proper spacing of about 4 inches between mature plants . Plants in containers should be carefully monitored to verify the soil is moist , as beets will become stunted and bitter if moisture is lacking .
Storing Beets
Fresh beetsstorewell in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days . snip off off big top to serve them keep fresh . Store greens separately from beetroot theme . Beets can also be stack away in a cool , dry base root cellar . They can also be left in the garden , although in the warm months they will continue to acquire and may become tough . They can be frozen , canned , ferment or pickle .
Saving Seeds
beet are biennial . Although hybrids will develop seed , the leave plant are likely to be very unlike compared to the parent . Plant heirloom ( open - pollinated ) varieties to ensure your seeds bring forth unfeigned to typecast . Beets are current of air pollinated , so you should plant a few of one variety nigh together to ensure virtuous seed . Do n’t let any other beet plant produce flowers . Beets will also cross - pollinate with chard .
In mild mood , let your seed beet overwinter in the earth or pot . In very cold mood , store several beetroot in a cellar and replant in saltation . post the blossom stalks , which can reach 4 invertebrate foot . When seed have turned a light tan color and are teetotal , remove seeds from the stalks by crushing with your fingers . fund seeds in a nerveless ironic place .
