April gardening · August gardening · Fall gardening · June gardening · March gardening · May gardening · September gardening · Spring gardening ·

Beet Growing Guide: Planting, Spacing, and Harvesting Made Simple

Beet Growing Guide: Planting, Spacing, and Harvesting Made Simple

Introduction

Beets are one of the most versatile crops you can grow, producing both sweet, tender roots and nutrient-packed leafy greens. In SIPs and wicking beds, bottom-up hydration ensures steady moisture, which leads to uniform roots, lush tops, and consistently sweet flavor. Using GardenWells inserts, you can maintain precise watering for reliable results without daily maintenance.

When to Plant Beets

  • Spring: Direct-seed beets outdoors March–April once soil temps reach 7°C (45°F). See the March Gardening Guide for early-season tips.

  • Summer: Sow every 3 weeks until July for continuous production; visit the June Gardening Guide for hot-weather SIP watering guidance.

  • Fall: Plant a final round in August for crisp, frost-sweetened roots; check the September Gardening Guide for fall growing tips.

Square Foot Gardening Spacing

  • Spacing: 9 plants per sq ft (~4” apart)

  • Depth: Sow seeds ½” deep

  • Companions: Ideal companions include onions, lettuce, and radishes.

How to Plant Beets

Direct Seeding (Preferred)

  • Plant beet “clusters” (each seed contains 2–3 embryos) and thin seedlings to the strongest per hole.

  • Keep SIP soil evenly moist during germination, which takes 7–14 days.

Transplanting (Optional)

  • Beets can be transplanted carefully if started indoors, but direct-seeding ensures straighter roots and better results.

Watering Your Beets

Beets thrive with steady, even hydration:

  • Use your WaterStem: when the Hummingbird rises, your reservoir’s full; when it drops, refill.

  • Before establishment: Top-water lightly for the first 7–10 days until roots reach SIP moisture zones.

  • After establishment: Refill reservoirs every 1–2 weeks depending on temperature and SIP size.

  • Mulch around plants to maintain consistent soil moisture and improve flavor.

Harvesting Beets

  • Baby Beets: Ready in 35–45 days, perfect for tender, bite-sized roots.

  • Full-Size Beets: Harvest 55–70 days after planting when roots reach 1.5–3” in diameter.

  • Cut greens carefully, leaving at least 2” above the crown to allow continuous growth.

  • Beets store best in a cool, humid environment after trimming tops.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Woody or Bitter Roots High heat or slow growth Plant successions and provide shade during hot months
Cracking or Splitting Uneven watering Use SIPs or wicking beds for steady hydration
Poor Germination Soil crusting or dryness Lightly top-water daily until seedlings emerge

Companion Plants for Beets

Best companions (with cross-links):

  • Onions → Naturally repel pests and maximize SIP layering.

  • Lettuce → Efficient SIP interplanting for shading and weed suppression.

  • Radishes → Grow quickly and loosen SIP soil for beet roots.

  • Spinach → Ideal early-season partner for shaded SIP edges.

Avoid planting with:

  • Pole Beans → Beans compete for nutrients, stunting beet development.

  • Other heavy feeders like corn.

Product Tips

Back to Veggie Guides