Beets are nutrient-dense, fast-growing root vegetables that thrive in home gardens. Whether you grow them for their sweet, earthy roots or nutritious greens, beets are easy to cultivate with the right soil, watering, and care.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant, care for, and harvest beets to enjoy a steady supply of this colorful and healthy vegetable.
1. Choosing the Right Beet Variety
Beets come in different colors, sizes, and flavors, making them a versatile crop.
Best Beet Varieties for Home Gardens
Red Beets (Classic, Sweet & Earthy Flavor)
Detroit Dark Red – Popular, smooth-skinned, great for canning. Bull’s Blood – Dark red roots and leaves, excellent for salads. Cylindra – Long, narrow beets, easy to slice.
Golden Beets (Sweeter, Milder Flavor, No Staining) Golden Detroit – Smooth, bright orange, great for roasting. Burpee’s Golden – Sweet, vibrant yellow, excellent for fresh eating.
White Beets (Mildest, Less Earthy Taste) Albino Beet – Creamy white, very sweet, less staining.
Chioggia (Candy Stripe, Unique Appearance) Chioggia (Candy Cane Beet) – Red-and-white striped flesh, extra sweet.
Tip: If you don’t like earthy flavors, try golden or white beets, which are milder and sweeter.
2. Preparing the Soil for Beets
Beets grow best in loose, well-draining soil to allow roots to expand properly.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Beets
pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Loamy, sandy soil to promote root development. Free of rocks and debris to prevent misshapen roots.
How to Improve Soil for Beets
Mix in compost or aged manure before planting. Add bone meal or phosphorus-rich fertilizer for strong root growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause leafy growth but small roots.
Tip: If you have heavy clay soil, plant beets in raised beds or containers for better drainage.
3. Planting Beets the Right Way
When to Plant Beets
- Spring planting: 2-4 weeks before the last frost, when soil reaches 50°F (10°C).
- Fall planting: 8-10 weeks before the first frost for a late-season harvest.
- Succession planting: Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous production.
How to Plant Beet Seeds
Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before planting to speed up germination. Sow seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart in rows. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they sprout.
Avoid planting beets too deep, as this slows germination.
Tip: Each beet seed is actually a cluster of seeds, so thinning is necessary for proper root development.
4. Watering Beets Correctly
Beets need consistent moisture to develop tender, juicy roots.
How Often to Water Beets
Water deeply 2-3 times per week (1 inch per week). Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water at the base of plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves
- Root rot
Signs of Underwatering:
- Woody, tough roots
- Small, cracked beets
Tip: Mulch around beets to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
5. Fertilizing Beets for Maximum Growth
Beets need balanced nutrients for strong root and leaf development.
Best Fertilizers for Beets
Compost or aged manure – Provides steady nutrients. Low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) – Encourages root formation. Bone meal or rock phosphate – Boosts root growth.
When to Fertilize Beets
At planting: Mix compost into the soil. After thinning: Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Mid-season: Feed lightly with organic fertilizer.
Avoid too much nitrogen, as it results in large leaves but small roots.
6. Preventing Beet Pests and Diseases
Beets are relatively low-maintenance but can be affected by pests and fungal diseases.
Common Beet Pests & Natural Solutions
| Pest | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Aphids  | Sticky residue, curled leaves | Spray neem oil or soapy water |
| Leaf Miners | White trails on leaves | Remove affected leaves, encourage beneficial insects |
| Flea Beetles | Tiny holes in leaves | Use floating row covers, mulch soil |
Common Beet Diseases & Prevention
| Disease | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | Yellow spots, moldy growth | Improve airflow, water in the morning |
| Cercospora Leaf Spot | Brown spots on leaves | Remove infected leaves, apply organic fungicide |
| Root Rot | Black, mushy roots | Ensure well-draining soil, avoid overwatering |
Tip: Companion plant beets with onions, garlic, or radishes to naturally repel pests.
7. Harvesting and Storing Beets
When to Harvest Beets
Baby beets: 30-40 days after planting (1-2 inches wide). Mature beets: 50-70 days after planting (3-4 inches wide). Harvest before beets get too large—overgrown beets become woody and tough.
How to Harvest Beets Properly
Loosen soil with a garden fork before pulling. Gently twist or pull beets from the ground. Cut tops 1 inch above the root to prevent bleeding.
Avoid leaving beets in the ground too long, as they become tough and fibrous.
Storing Beets for Freshness
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Storing Beets for Freshness
Store fresh beets in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks in a breathable bag. Do not wash beets before storing—excess moisture causes rot. Remove beet greens before storing but leave 1 inch of the stem to prevent bleeding. For long-term storage, keep beets in a root cellar (32-40°F) in sand or sawdust for up to 3-5 months. Freeze beets by blanching, peeling, and slicing them before placing them in airtight containers.
Do not store beets near apples or onions, as they release gases that reduce beet freshness.
Tip: Beet greens are edible and can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days—use them like spinach!
8. Growing Beets in Containers and Small Spaces
Beets are perfect for small gardens and grow well in containers, raised beds, or grow bags.
How to Grow Beets in Containers
Use a 10-12 inch deep container to allow root growth. Space plants 2-3 inches apart for proper development. Keep soil moist but well-draining.
Tip: Grow baby beets or mini varieties for quicker harvests in small spaces.
Final Thoughts
Beets are a nutritious, fast-growing vegetable that thrives with loose soil, regular watering, and proper thinning. Whether you grow them for their sweet roots or nutrient-rich greens, they’re an excellent low-maintenance crop for any home garden.
Start growing your own beets today and enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor in your meals!
