How To Grow Beets In Your Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

Growing beets in the garden can be confusing but also pleasantly surprising

I still remember my first beet experiment in the backyard, sparked by my mom’s idea to add a “pop” of color to the space. Hesitant but curious, I planted the tiny seeds.

When the beets finally matured, their vibrant hues and earthy aroma transformed my garden, surprising me with their beauty and richness. 

If you’re a beginner looking to try some beet action in your garden, stick around because this article is for you. 

Harvesting beets

Here’s a straightforward, hassle-free step-by-step guide to growing lush and aromatic beets in your garden:  

sunny garden spot

Beets thrive in full sun and ideally need a good 6 to 9 hours of sunlight every day, regardless of the season or climate, to reach their fullest potential. 

Adequate light exposure is one of the few important keys when it comes to growing beets. And, yes, while the crop can thrive in partial shade, I definitely wouldn’t risk it considering a major portion of the beet patch may not grow as robustly. 

In addition to this, try to find a spot where the soil is well-draining and has risen rather high so that waterlogging problems don’t mess with your beet growth. 

organic compost

Testing your soil is mainly a matter of checking its pH level and ensuring it’s optimal for the plant you’re trying to grow.

Because beets prefer slightly acidic soil, a pH of anywhere between 6.0 to 7.0 is good enough. You can test this using a simple pH testing kit and a soil sample from your garden. 

Since I started to take gardening serious, I noticed that the soil’s pH was actually a very important factor for growing vegetables or flowers. So, I deciced it was better to invest on a soil pH meter.

I got this one from Amazon: SONKIR Soil pH Meter 3-in-1. I bought it a couple years ago. It’s actually quite cheap and durable. It’s has a soil moisture level, soil pH value and Sunlight level!

For soil preparation, loosen your soil to a decent depth of 10 to 12 inches so that roots have space to spread and develop properly. If you want, you can add some organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to your soil to give it a solid nutrient boost and some nourishment before planting. 

Sowing beet seed

For hassle-free sowing, sow your beet seeds directly into your garden somewhere around early to mid spring, and make sure it’s after the last frost. Planting in late summer can also be a good idea if you’re looking for a fall harvest. 

Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep into the soil and space them 2-4 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. The small gaps will also promote air circulation and adequate growth. 

I feel like sowing seeds is one of those steps that everyone just hates because of how long it takes to do. So, let me teach you an easy step by step on how to multi sow beetroots!

growing beets

Beets take about 50 to 80 days to grow from seed to harvest, roughly two months. While some plants take longer, beets offer a quick turnaround, so some patience and care is essential for a sizable, successful yield. 

Apart from patience, however, your beet seeds will need moisture to grow and develop root systems effectively. After sowing, make a proper watering routine and stick to it so that dryness doesn’t create short-term problems. 

As a basic rule of thumb — If you stick a finger in the soil and the top inch or two feel dry, it’s time to water again.

It’s also very common for beet seedlings to become leggy. So, here’s what to do when leggy beetroot seedlings are falling over.

beets

Once the beets reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter (gently dig around the base to check) and have a plump red appearance, harvest them immediately! 

If you let the beets sit around for longer, they can become tough and develop a strange unfamiliar taste. Gently pull them out from the ground and store them in a cool, dry place to preserve structural integrity and flavor. 

How To Grow Beets In Your Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

Now that I reflect on my gardening journey, I realize that my plants and vegetables have become more than just garden additions; they’ve been a source of joy and accomplishment. To this day, I find the most excitement in planting and harvesting vibrant beets. 

I hope this article ignited a similar passion for beets in you, inspiring you to give them a try in your own garden! 

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *