|
|
Beets (Beta vulgaris)
 |
Full Sun
Requires six hours or more
of strong, direct sun per day. |
Beets
 Beets are one of the most important homegrown vegetables. They are a relatively easy crop to grow, quite resistant to insects and diseases, use little garden space, are reasonably easy to store, and are a good source of vitamins. Beets and beet greens can provide a valuable part of your diet.The growing and culture of beetsBeets can be grown all over the country, but seem to be particularly adapted to northern sections. They may be grown in the South during the cooler months of late winter and early spring.Beneficial companion plantsPlants that are benificial to beets for both growth and insect control are onions and kohlrabi. For information on other vegetable companion plants see the companion planting chart.
Planting Beets
Soil requirementsBeets prefer a well-drained soil that has been enriched with an application of rotted manure or compost. Hot, dry weather and soil cause beet roots to become stringy and tough. All stones or other obstacles should be removed during soil preparation from the top four inches of soil to allow for good root development.Sowing beet seedsPlant the seeds in rows approximately three feet apart. With two feet left between plants, 1/2 ounce of seed will sow a 100-foot row. When seed planting in warm weather, it may be a good idea to soak the seeds for as long as 12 hours. When plants reach two inches in growth, it is time to thin them.Thinning out the plants
| Victory Garden |
 |
| Grow your own |
Thinned out plants need not be wasted—replant them in the rows and apply water. In a few days they will look as healthy as the others.To insure the best continuous yield, sow seed every three to four weeks until 90 days before the first frost. Shallow cultivation of weed growth and providing the proper water requirements are the only things necessary for healthy beet growth.
Moon Phase Planting of BeetsIf you are gardening by moon phases Beets should be planted when the moon is in the 3rd Quarter (i.e. waning) and in one of the following Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra, Capricorn
Pests of beetsMajor beet offenders are the spinach flea beetle, leaf spot and leaf miner. None of these enemies will cause serious damage to plants grown on fertile soil. Crop rotation and organic insect control will discourage disease and infestation.Harvesting beets
"Baby" beets
Harvesting and Preservation: "Baby" beets are harvested when one to 11/2 inches in diameter. Simply pull the beets out of the ground, but, when removing the tops, leave an inch or two attached to the roots so they will not bleed.Storage of beetsBeets for storage are often left in the ground until just before the first frost. Those being used for long storage should have their tops cut off close to the roots. Remember to separate the diseased and decayed beets from the bunch before storing.One method of underground storage is to place beets in a plastic basket in a hole three feet deep and four feet square. Place a sheet of plastic on top of the beets, followed by a layer of cornstalks and straw. Beets can also be stored indoors in a cool, dark cellar if placed in moist sand.
|
