Beetroot is one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow in a home garden. Whether you want fresh beets for salads, juicing, or roasting, learning how to grow beetroot will ensure a continuous harvest throughout the year. This root vegetable is packed with nutrients, thrives in various climates, and requires minimal maintenance.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about growing beetroot, from selecting the right variety to harvesting and storing your crop.
Why Grow Beetroot at Home?
Growing your own beetroot offers several advantages:
- Rich in Nutrients: High in fiber, folate, iron, and antioxidants.
- Fast-Growing: Ready to harvest in 50–70 days.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little space and grows well in containers.
- Multiple Uses: Enjoy both the roots and beet greens in your diet.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of how to grow beetroot successfully!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Beetroot Variety
There are different beetroot varieties to choose from, depending on your taste and gardening goals.
Common Types of Beetroot
- Red Beets: The most popular type, known for its deep red color. Examples: Detroit Dark Red, Boltardy.
- Golden Beets: Milder and sweeter, with golden-yellow flesh. Examples: Golden Detroit, Burpee’s Golden.
- Striped (Chioggia) Beets: These have red-and-white rings inside and are less earthy in flavor.
- Baby Beets: Smaller, tender varieties perfect for salads.
Choose a variety that suits your preference, or mix different types for variety in your harvest!
Step 2: When and Where to Plant Beetroot
Best Time to Plant Beetroot
- Cool-Season Crop: Beets grow best in spring and fall when temperatures range between 50–75°F (10–24°C).
- Spring Planting: Start in early spring, about 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
- Fall Planting: Sow in late summer for a fall harvest.
Best Location for Growing Beets
- Full Sun to Partial Shade: At least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Loose, Well-Drained Soil: Beets grow best in sandy or loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay.
- pH 6.0–7.5: Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.
Step 3: Preparing the Soil for Beetroot
Good soil preparation is key to growing healthy beetroots.
How to Prepare Soil
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches to allow roots to develop properly.
- Remove rocks, weeds, and debris that may obstruct root growth.
- Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
- Avoid too much nitrogen, as it promotes leaf growth at the expense of roots.
Step 4: How to Plant Beetroot Seeds
Beetroot is grown directly from seeds rather than transplants.
Sowing Beetroot Seeds
- Soak seeds in water for 12–24 hours before planting to speed up germination.
- Make shallow trenches about ½ inch deep and 12 inches apart.
- Sow seeds 1 inch apart in rows.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Spacing Tips
- Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart once they sprout to allow roots to grow properly.
- If growing in containers, choose a deep pot (at least 8 inches deep) and space plants 4 inches apart.
Step 5: Caring for Beetroot Plants
1. Watering Beets
- Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Beets need about 1 inch of water per week.
- Water deeply during dry spells to prevent woody or tough roots.
2. Fertilizing Beets
- Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) once the seedlings emerge.
- Apply a side dressing of compost or organic fertilizer midway through the growing season.
3. Mulching
- Apply a thin layer of mulch (straw, grass clippings) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Managing Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests: Aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Common Diseases: Powdery mildew and leaf spot. Avoid overcrowding and ensure good air circulation.
Step 6: When and How to Harvest Beetroot
When to Harvest Beets
- Beets are ready in 50–70 days, depending on the variety.
- Harvest when they are about 1.5–3 inches in diameter for the best flavor.
- Smaller beets are sweeter and more tender.
How to Harvest Beets
- Loosen the soil around the base using a garden fork.
- Gently pull the beetroot out by the stems.
- Trim the leaves to 1 inch above the root to prevent moisture loss.
Tip: Don’t discard the leaves! Beet greens are edible and can be used like spinach.
Step 7: Storing and Preserving Beets
1. Storing Fresh Beets
- Store in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks in a perforated plastic bag.
- Keep the roots unwashed until ready to use.
2. Long-Term Storage
- Root Cellar: Store in sand or sawdust at 32–40°F (0–4°C) for up to 3–4 months.
- Freezing: Blanch and freeze sliced beets for up to 12 months.
- Pickling or Canning: Preserve beets in vinegar for long-term use.
Step 8: Saving Beetroot Seeds for Next Season
Beets are biennial plants, meaning they flower and produce seeds in their second year. If you want to collect seeds:
- Leave some plants in the ground over winter.
- In the second year, they will produce seed stalks.
- Collect and dry the seeds when they turn brown.
You can use these seeds to plant your next crop of beets!
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Beetroot
Now that you know how to grow beetroot, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown beets straight from your garden. They are easy to grow, nutritious, and add a vibrant touch to your meals.
Are you planning to grow beets this season? Let us know your favorite beet variety in the comments!
