Why and How to Grow Beets in Your Garden

Vera Reinke
Apr 15
3 min read

Beets are an underrated garden vegetable that deserves a place in every home garden. They are easy to grow and provide a double harvest—tasty, nutrient-rich greens and sweet, earthy roots. Whether you enjoy them roasted, pickled, or fresh in salads, homegrown beets have a flavor and texture far superior to store-bought ones.

If you’ve never grown beets before, now is the perfect time to start!

Why Grow Beets?

Dual Harvest: You can eat both the beetroot and the leafy greens, making them a two-in-one crop.
Cold Hardy: Beets thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for spring and fall gardens.
Fast Growing: Many varieties mature in just 50–60 days, so you’ll have a quick harvest.
Nutrient-Packed: Beets are rich in fiber, folate, iron, and antioxidants. Beet greens are just as nutritious as kale or spinach!
Grows in Small Spaces: Beets don’t require a lot of room and can even be grown in containers.
Stores Well: Beets keep for months when stored properly, making them a great long-term food source.

How to Grow Beets

1. Choosing the Right Variety

Beets come in a range of colors and flavors. Some popular options include:

Detroit Dark Red: Classic deep red beets with great flavor.
Chioggia (Candy Cane Beets): Beautiful pink-and-white striped beets with a mild taste.
Golden Beets: Sweet and less earthy than red beets, plus they don’t stain!
Cylindra: Long, cylindrical beets that are great for slicing.

2. When to Plant Beets

Beets grow best in cool weather, so plant them in:

Early Spring: As soon as the soil is workable, about 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Late Summer/Fall: Sow seeds about 6–8 weeks before the first fall frost for a fall harvest.

3. Planting Beets

Soil Preparation: Loose, well-draining soil is key to growing straight, healthy beets. Avoid compacted or rocky soil, which can lead to misshapen roots.
Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows spaced about 12 inches apart.
Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 3–4 inches apart to allow room for root development. (Use the thinnings in salads!)

4. Caring for Beets

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Uneven watering can cause tough, woody roots.
Fertilizing: Beets don’t need much nitrogen (too much will promote leaf growth over root development). Use a balanced fertilizer or compost.
Weeding: Beets have shallow roots, so hand-pull weeds to avoid damaging them.

5. Harvesting Beets

For Greens: Harvest outer leaves when they are about 4–6 inches long, leaving some to keep the plant growing.
For Roots: Beets are ready when they are about 2–3 inches in diameter (usually in 50–60 days). Larger beets can get woody.
Storage: Cut off the greens (leaving an inch of the stem) and store roots in a cool, dark place for months. Greens can be eaten fresh or cooked.

Tips for Success

Succession Planting: Sow new beet seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Avoid Forked Roots: Grow in loose, rock-free soil and avoid overcrowding.

Sweeten Your Beets: Beets taste sweeter after a light frost, so fall-grown beets are extra delicious!

Start Growing Beets Today!

Beets are an easy, rewarding crop that provides both delicious roots and nutritious greens. Whether you’re growing them for their health benefits, vibrant colors, or earthy sweetness, beets are a great addition to any garden.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy beets? Let me know in the comments!