Beets

Beets are a great choice for home gardeners in Texas during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring.  They can be overwintered in the mild winter regions of central Texas.  Beets are harvested for their sweet and tender roots, but the leaves can also be harvested to be eaten fresh or sauteed.  

Planting Method
Direct seed beets into the soil 1" to 2" apart in rows that are 12" apart.  Beet seeds produce up to 4 seedlings per seed so they will need to be thinned.  Thin the weakest seedlings after 4 weeks of growth so that you have one plant every 3".  The thinned seedlings can be used as garnish or in salads.  

Planting Dates
September 1st through October 15th (Fall harvest)
February 1st through March 1st (Spring harvest)

Site Selection
Beets should be planted in loose soil that is rich in organic matter.  They can be planted in heavier clay soils if there is enough compost and topsoil in the upper layers of the soil.  Beets have very large taproots so they can draw water from deeper soils, but water them deeply in times of limited rainfall. 

Fertilizer
Microlife 6-2-4 worked into the soil at the manufacturers recommended rate at planting should be sufficient in quality garden soils. 

Harvest
Harvest the beet roots when they are a desired size.  The smaller beets will be more tender and the larger beets will be meatier.  Harvest when the beets are between golf ball and baseball size. 

Pests
Armyworm
Aphids
Flea beetle

Golden Beets

My favorite varieties

Bulls Blood - 55 days - Buy at Botanical Interests Seeds

Chioggia - 55days- Buy at Botanical Interests Seeds

Red Ace (F1) - 50 days - Buy at Johnny's Seed

Touchstone Gold - 85 days - Buy at Botanical Interests

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