Beets: More Than Just Grammy’s Favorite
History and Benefits
Beets as we know them are actually the taproots of the plant, and are thus called beetroots in many parts of the world. The origins are possibly ancient Middle East, but they were grown and consumed in many ancient societies, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Beets, today are known as a superfood. They contain potassium, phosphorous, Vitamin C, sodium, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, fiber, phytochemical compounds which serve as antioxidants, oxalates, sucrose, and much more.
When and Where to Sow
Beets are considered a cool weather crop, and thus thrive best in cool to warm temperatures. This is why beets are often sown outdoors in the spring and late summer in many temperate climates. In Grow Zones 5-7, beets can make a nice addition to a fall garden when planted from about mid-August to early September. Some varieties require more or less time to mature, so know your first and last frost dates and read seed package instructions for planning.
Beets do not respond well to having their taproots disturbed, and so are usually directly sown by gardeners, in their final container destination. However, it is possible to sow indoors in biodegradable pots and transplant the seedling and container, once hardened off.
Light Requirements
Beets do best with a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight, but can tolerate shade or less light. Less light availability works best if your plans are primarily to harvest the greens, but may mean smaller and less tasty beetroots.
Planting Guidelines
Container Selection and Spacing
Click here for more about sowing indoors. Your final container should be 8-10 inches deep, at a minimum, to accommodate the roots. The diameter (width) of your container will determine how many beets you can sow or transplant. Check your seed packet for details regarding average size/diameter of your beet selection, as well as the recommended spacing. A 14-20 inch diameter container should provide a reasonable harvest. Look here for some container options. Growing your beets three inches apart is typically adequate spacing. Overcrowding will result in smaller beets, and likely more beet leaf greens vs. beetroots.
Planter Setup
Using a nice organic potting soil with fewer lumps, sticks, and rocks is best, to decrease the likelihood of misshapen or stunted beetroots. Select a balanced fertilizer (organic recommended) approved for fruits and vegetables, and thoroughly mix into your container potting soil, according to package directions for container/potted plants, before sowing.
Sow a couple of seeds per hole according to seed packet instructions, and water thoroughly. Thin them to one plant every three inches once your stems/leaves are about two or so inches tall.**If you choose to sow indoors and transplant, you can harden-off and then transplant when your stems and leaves are about two-three inches high.
For more regarding planter setup, soil and fertilizer selection, see this post.
Plant Care
Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Keep it moist, not soggy! You may harvest the leaves as they grow, for salads or for improved air circulation, by snipping or pinching off the outer leaves. Be certain to leave some for your beets to carryout photosynthesis and maintain adequate nutrition.
When your beets are ready for harvest , they will likely have begun to push through the soil. You may harvest both the beets and their greens. Mature beet greens are similar to swiss chard, and better consumed cooked, as you would other sauteed or stewed greens, due to their texture and more mature flavor.
Whether you plant a half dozen or several bunches, or whether you decide to cook or pickle your beets, or blend your beets and/or their leaves in delicious smoothies, there are numerous ways to enjoy this superfood, immediately or long after the growing season has passed. Remember above all else, enjoy the journey!
For those of you that want the superfood perk, but have not acquired the taste for beets, smoothies may be just the addition you need to your routine! Here’s a recipe for a tasty smoothie (with beets) that meets the approval of everyone in my household, found when searching for smoothie mixes.
Some Beet Seed Options
Featured image by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash