What To Know
- Growing your own food is a rewarding experience, and beets are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh, roasted, or pickled.
- While you can sow beet seeds directly into the garden, starting them indoors can give them a head start and ensure a bountiful harvest.
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow beet from seed indoors, from seed selection to transplanting, so you can enjoy the sweetness of homegrown beets all season long.
Growing your own food is a rewarding experience, and beets are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh, roasted, or pickled. While you can sow beet seeds directly into the garden, starting them indoors can give them a head start and ensure a bountiful harvest. This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow beet from seed indoors, from seed selection to transplanting, so you can enjoy the sweetness of homegrown beets all season long.
1. Choosing the Right Beet Seeds
The first step to growing successful beets is selecting the right seeds. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Variety: Different beet varieties have varying maturity times, colors, and sizes. Some popular choices include:
- Early Wonder: A fast-growing variety with a deep red color.
- Detroit Dark Red: A classic beet with a rich flavor and good storage quality.
- Golden Beet: A vibrant yellow beet that adds color to your garden and dishes.
- Seed Type: Beets are available as pelleted seeds, which are coated with a nutrient-rich material that helps with germination and root development.
- Source: Choose reputable seed suppliers to ensure high-quality seeds and accurate variety information.
2. Preparing Your Seed Starting Mix
A good seed starting mix is crucial for healthy beet seedlings. Look for a mix that is:
- Lightweight: This allows for good drainage and prevents root rot.
- Moisture-retentive: The mix should hold enough moisture to support germination but not become soggy.
- Nutrient-rich: Ensure the mix contains essential nutrients to support seedling growth.
You can purchase pre-made seed starting mix or create your own using a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
3. Selecting the Right Containers
Beets have a taproot that grows deep into the soil, so it’s important to choose containers that provide adequate depth for root development. You can use:
- Seed Starting Trays: These offer individual cells for each seedling, making it easy to transplant without disturbing the roots.
- Individual Pots: Choose pots that are at least 4 inches in diameter and depth.
- Planters: If starting a large number of beets, use a shallow planter with drainage holes.
4. Sowing the Seeds
Once you’ve prepared your containers and seed starting mix, it’s time to sow the seeds. Follow these steps:
1. Fill the containers: Fill the containers with the seed starting mix, leaving about half an inch of space from the top.
2. Moisten the mix: Water the mix thoroughly until it is evenly moist.
3. Sow the seeds: Sow two to three seeds per cell or pot, spacing them about half an inch apart.
4. Cover the seeds: Gently press the seeds into the mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water again: Mist the soil surface with water to keep it moist.
5. Providing Ideal Growing Conditions
Beet seedlings need consistent warmth, light, and moisture to thrive. Here’s how to create the ideal growing environment:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination and growth.
- Light: Place the containers in a sunny location, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to ensure adequate light exposure.
- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
6. Thinning the Seedlings
Once the beet seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves (the leaves that appear after the first pair of seed leaves), it’s time to thin them. This ensures that each seedling has enough space to grow and develop a strong root system.
- Thinning process: Carefully remove the weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest one in each cell or pot. Use a pair of scissors to clip the seedlings at the soil level.
7. Transplanting the Seedlings
When the beet seedlings have developed four to six true leaves and are about 3-4 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted outdoors. Here’s how to transplant them successfully:
1. Prepare the garden bed: Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its fertility.
2. Dig planting holes: Dig planting holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings. Space the holes 12-18 inches apart.
3. Transplant the seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to damage the roots. Place the seedlings in the planting holes, making sure the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Firm the soil: Gently firm the soil around the base of the seedlings to ensure good contact with the roots.
5. Water thoroughly: Water the seedlings deeply after transplanting to help them establish themselves in their new home.
8. Caring for Your Beet Plants
Once your beet seedlings are transplanted, they need regular watering, weeding, and fertilization to thrive.
- Watering: Water the beets deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds from around the beet plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
9. Harvesting Your Beet Harvest
Beetroots are ready for harvesting when they’ve reached the desired size. Typically, this takes about 60-80 days from planting.
- Harvesting: Use a garden trowel or spade to gently lift the beets from the ground.
- Storing: Store harvested beets in a cool, dark place for up to a few weeks.
10. Enjoying Your Homegrown Beets
Once you’ve harvested your beetroots, you can enjoy them in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted beets: Toss beetroots with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast until tender.
- Beet salad: Dice beetroots and combine with other vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
- Pickled beets: Pickle beetroots in a brine for a tangy and flavorful treat.
What You Need to Learn
Q: When should I start beet seeds indoors?
A: It’s best to start beet seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Q: How deep should I sow beet seeds?
A: Sow beet seeds about 1/2 inch deep in the seed starting mix.
Q: Can I grow beets in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow beets in containers, but choose containers that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate their taproots.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy beet seedling?
A: Healthy beet seedlings have strong stems, vibrant green leaves, and a healthy root system.
Q: How do I know when my beets are ready to harvest?
A: Beets are ready for harvest when they’ve reached the desired size, typically 2-3 inches in diameter. You can also check by gently squeezing the beet; if it feels firm, it’s ready to harvest.
