Beets are one of few crops that can be grown almost anywhere , able-bodied to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11 . They ’re a fast - growing root crop known for their classifiable reddened color , though there are also golden and striped variety that you may grow . Unlike some crop , all of the beet plant is edible , so you’re able to use their greens as an edible garnish or mix them into a bracing salad — butthe welfare and usesdon’t stop there .
The benefits of growing beets at home
Onthe health side of thing , beets are full of nutrients that your body demand to survive ( similar to the way a plant needs right maintenance to thrive ) . They ’ve got some protein , some potassium , and even some Fe . common beet contain vitamin carbon and vitamin B6 , as well as manganese , which is great for brain function and nutritious metamorphosis .
Perhaps one of the best growing qualities of Beta vulgaris is that they ’re a cool - weather harvest , which potentially think you’re able to plant a craw to spring up in the spring and one again in late summertime or other fall when temperatures set forth to cast again . When grown and cared for well , this means two harvests of beetroot as opposed to a one - and - done .
It also collapse you some flexibility . If you have too many things you need to grow , and some only grow in the springtime or only develop in the fall , you do n’t have to worry about cutting beets out all . Simply plant one crop at the prison term of year when your garden beds have a bit more room .
What dishes can be made with beets?
Chefs and home cooks not only love common beet for their nutrients but for the color they lend to a dish . One of the uncomplicated things you could do ( especially if you ’ve had a particularly racy harvest ) is pickle them to increase their seniority . Taste of home has a greatbreakdown of pickling beets , including thing that they go well with so you are n’t stuck enquire what on earth to put them on . Pickled beets can last up to three month in the fridge , and they ’re a great habitation - grown gift to give phratry around the holiday if you plant them as a fall crop .
If you plant a spring craw and are looking for a refreshing summertime dish , you ca n’t go wrong with thisnectarine and beet salad . Not only can you employ some of your newly - harvested beets , but you’re able to also take some of the spring green from your garden for a unfeignedly homegrown knockout .
Caring for and growing beets
beetroot can be planted in the give once the dirt has warm to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the menace of the last frost has passed . you could proceed to establish beets every two to three weeks while the temperature ride out under 75 degree . Becausebeets are a cool - weather crop , they do n’t wish a passel of warmth . Once summer starts to hit , you ’ll either require to stop growing common beet for the season or hold off until previous summertime or early fall to begin sowing a unexampled crop . Keep in nous that if you live in a property that gets cold , you should sow your last set of beets at least a month before the first predict frost .
Although they maturate in cool parts of the time of year , beets are n’t very cold large-minded . They prefer to be in environments between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for right growing and endurance . One affair you should be aware of when growing beets is right spacing for the plants to avoid any fungous emergence from lack of air flow . beetroot seedling necessitate at least four inches of blank space between them to grow firm .
illumination needs : At least six hours of full sunshine per dayWater needs : Water on a regular basis , aiming for at least one inch per weekSoil indigence : Well - drain , rich grime
Are beets easy to grow?
Yes ! Despite their specific temperature need , they are n’t complicated to care for and grow . Beets are mainly raise as annual veggie , so you do n’t have to vex about any kind of pollination for the crop to grow . Plus , they ’ve stupefy very simple wakeful requirements that are well come-at-able in most garden set - ups . As long as you ’re mindful of the outdoor temperature , you should n’t run into any out of the blue problem .
How to properly harvest beets
When your beets are ready for picking , you ’ll want to start by loosening the territory around them . This render them a little more way to breathe and move after establish themselves in the garden bed for the last dyad of month . After the soil is loosened , gently displume them out . If your common beet agitate back a petty bit , continue loosen the grunge around them until they make out out with a soft towboat . You need to keep at least one column inch of the root on the flora , so harvesting needs to be done graciously .
How can you tell when beets are ready to harvest?
Once planted , Beta vulgaris take between 55 and 70 days to mature . You ’ll know your plant life is ready to be harvest once the leafy vegetable are around three to four inches marvelous , though you may let them grow a little longer if you ’re hoping to get larger beet . Keep in psyche , though , that the turgid beet get , the tougher and more unchewable they become ( and the jet themselves become less tender ) . Ideally , you do n’t want to let the greens get much large than six inches at most .
Common problems you may run into
Like other crops , beets are prostrate to some bacterial , fungous , and viral infections . Some bacterial infections are make by crop that previously domicile in the garden bed , so take tending not to plant beets where you ’ve previously grown potatoes . Other fungal and viral infections are more likely to chance to weaker plant , so the best way to avoid these is to make certain you ’re providing the proper charge and give beetroot a healthy surround .
If you notice any mansion of bacterial , fungal , or viral contagion , you should polish off the touched function of the plant ( in some caseful , this means the whole flora ) and habituate an appropriate combating method . For viral infections make by pests , this means using an insecticide safe for beet ; for fungous infections , see what fungicide is full to utilise on common beet .
The well tidings is that problems do n’t often happen when a industrial plant is thriving , and the same lead for many crops . By use up the prison term to ensure your plants are where they will be glad , goodish , and strong , you ’ll have a mostly problem - free harvesting and novel beet for all your favorite dishes .
