I love growing beets! They’re one of those veggies that surprise you with how easy (and rewarding) they are to grow. The roots are sweet, earthy, and beautiful, and the greens are just as tasty and nutritious. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, containers, or directly in your garden soil, you can absolutely grow beets successfully with a little planning.
Here’s everything I’ve learned about growing beets. From when to plant and how to harvest to which plants make the best garden companions.
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THE BEST BEET VARIETIES TO GROW
One of my favorite things about growing beets is how many gorgeous varieties you get to choose from. You can absolutely grow more than one type at a time and each variety brings something a little different to your garden and kitchen.
Detroit Dark Red beets
These are the classic deep-red roots most of us think of when we picture beets. They’re earthy, sweet, and dependable. If you’re new to growing beets, this is a great place to start because they’re consistent and hardy.
Golden Beets
I adore growing golden beets because they have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor and don’t stain everything they touch. They brighten up a garden bed and look beautiful sliced into salads or roasted.
Chiogga Beets
These are the show-stoppers. When you slice them open, they reveal pink-and-white rings that look like bullseyes. Chioggia beets tend to be a little milder and cook more quickly, and they’re a fun way to add color to any dish.
WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT BEETS
Beets love cool weather. I like to think of them as my “shoulder-season” crop, they do best when it’s not too hot and not too cold.
If you get freezing winters, plant in early spring as soon as your soil is workable. If your summers are long and warm, try a fall planting about 6–8 weeks before your first frost.
They’ll do best in a sunny spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. More sun usually means better root growth.
PREPPING THE SOIL OR GARDEN BED
Healthy soil means happy beets. I start by loosening the top 8–10 inches of soil and removing any rocks or big clumps. Beets need soft soil so their roots can expand easily.
Mix in a couple of inches of compost before planting. That organic matter gives your beets the nutrients they need and keeps moisture balanced. If your soil is heavy clay or doesn’t drain well, raised beds or large containers are your best friend here.
Tip: Skip the high-nitrogen fertilizers! They make lush greens but tiny roots. A balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer is perfect for beets. I use this Fox Farms Happy Frog All-Purpose fertilizer before planting any veggies in my garden.
HOW TO PLANT BEET SEEDS
Beet “seeds” are actually clusters of several seeds, so don’t be surprised when more than one sprout pops up from each spot.
Here’s how I plant mine:
- Soak beet seeds in a small bowl of water overnight to help speed up germination.
- Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 3–4 inches apart.
- Water gently after planting.
- Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them so the strongest one stays about 3 inches from its neighbors. (Don’t toss the thinnings—they’re delicious baby greens!)
If you love a steady harvest, plant a few new rows every 2–3 weeks while the weather is still cool.
CARING FOR YOUR BEET PLANTS
Watering: Consistent moisture is key for healthy beets. I try to keep the soil evenly damp but never soggy. Dry spells can make beets woody or cracked.
Keep Growing Space Clean: Weeding and keeping any other plant debris such as leaves out of the growing area is important, especially when the plants are young.
Feeding: If your plants start to look pale, feed them with a little compost tea or organic fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium. I love using Microlife Maximum Blooms if I see that they need some more nutrition to keep the plants healthy.
WHEN TO HARVEST BEETS
One of the things I love about beets is that you can harvest the greens anytime. The leaves will grow back if you leave the center leaves. The roots are ready once they reach about 1 to 3 inches in diameter, usually 50–70 days after planting.
To harvest, loosen the soil around the beet and pull it gently by the base of the greens. Trim the leaves (leaving about an inch of stem), and store the roots in a cool, dry place, such as a refrigerator.
Both parts of the beet plant are edible and delicious. The roots are great roasted or pickled, and the greens are amazing sautéed with garlic or tossed into salads.
COMPANION PLANTS YOU CAN GROW WITH BEETS
Beets grow best when surrounded by good company. Here are some of my favorite companions:
Lettuce – Shallow roots mean no competition, and you can harvest lettuce before the beets are ready.
Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower – These share the same cool-weather preferences.
Bush beans – They add a touch of nitrogen to the soil without overwhelming your beets.
Radishes – Super quick to mature and help loosen the soil.
Herbs and flowers like thyme, chives, or nasturtiums – They attract pollinators and make the garden look gorgeous.
Avoid planting beets right next to Swiss chard (they share the same pests) or crops that need lots of nitrogen, like pole beans.
Read more about companion planting with beets HERE.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Small or deformed roots? Your soil might be too compacted or crowded. Or you may be using too much nitrogen fertilizer.
Bitter taste? The weather got too warm, try planting earlier or using shade cloth.
Patchy germination? Soak beet seeds overnight before planting to help them sprout evenly.
Give these beet growing tips a try and let me know how it goes! If you are looking for a healthy recipe to use up some beets, I highly recommend my Roasted Beet Kale Salad! It is so good!
