Beet

Beets prefer loose, well-drained soil around pH 6.0-7.5 with moderate fertility. Incorporate compost, avoid excessive nitrogen that favors tops, and thin seedlings promptly so roots have room to swell.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

4 in

First harvest

50–70 days

Tips

• Sow seed clusters 1/2 inch deep and thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they can be handled.
• Keep the seedbed moist during germination and provide about 1 inch of water weekly afterward.
• Use a soil test before adding boron because the margin between deficiency and toxicity is narrow.
• Inspect leaves for leafminer tunnels and remove affected leaves before larvae mature.
• Harvest roots at roughly 1 1/2-3 inches across, taking only a few young leaves per plant if also growing roots.

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