What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow beets from beets, from seed selection to harvest, ensuring you have a bountiful crop of sweet, vibrant beets.
- Place the beet tops in a dry, well-ventilated area, like a cool, dark room or a shed.
- Once dry, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.
Are you ready to experience the joy of growing your own delicious beets? It’s easier than you might think, and the best part is, you can start from scratch with just a few beet seeds. This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow beets from beets, from seed selection to harvest, ensuring you have a bountiful crop of sweet, vibrant beets.
Choosing the Right Beet Seeds
The first step in your beet-growing journey is choosing the right seeds. While you can certainly purchase beet seeds from your local garden center or online, there’s a fun and rewarding way to source them: growing them yourself from existing beets.
- Select Healthy Beets: Start with beets that are firm, blemish-free, and have a vibrant color. Avoid beets that are soft, wrinkled, or have signs of rot.
- The “Top” Secret: Each beet has a leafy green top. This top contains the seeds, and it’s where your journey begins. Carefully cut off the leafy top, leaving about an inch of the stem attached to the beet.
- Drying and Storing: Place the beet tops in a dry, well-ventilated area, like a cool, dark room or a shed. Allow them to dry completely, which can take several days to a week. Once dry, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.
Preparing the Soil for Beet Growth
Beets thrive in loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed for successful beet growth:
- Choosing the Right Spot: Beets prefer full sun to partial shade. Select a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil Testing: For optimal growth, test your soil’s pH level. Beets prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0-7.0). You can adjust the pH by adding lime or sulfur as needed.
- Composting and Tilling: Enrich the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to break up any clumps.
Sowing the Beet Seeds
Now that you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to sow the beet seeds. Here’s how to do it:
- Direct Sowing: Beets are best sown directly in the garden. Avoid transplanting them, as their taproots are sensitive to disturbance.
- Spacing: Space your beet seeds about 1-2 inches apart. You can sow multiple seeds in a row, as you can thin them out later.
- Depth: Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep. Cover them with soil and gently pat them down.
- Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Thinning and Caring for Your Beet Plants
As your beet seedlings emerge, it’s important to thin them out to ensure they have enough space to grow. Here’s how to do it:
- Thinning: When the seedlings have two true leaves, thin them out to about 4-6 inches apart. This will allow the remaining plants to grow larger and stronger.
- Weeding: Regular weeding is essential to prevent weeds from competing with your beet plants for nutrients and water.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Beets require about 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilizing: You can fertilize your beet plants with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leafy growth at the expense of root development.
Harvesting Your Delicious Beets
Once your beets have reached maturity, you can start harvesting them. Here’s how to know when they’re ready:
- Size: Beets are typically ready to harvest when they are about 2-3 inches in diameter. For larger beets, allow them to grow for longer.
- Color: The beet’s color should be vibrant and consistent throughout.
- Texture: The beets should feel firm to the touch.
To harvest your beets, gently pull them from the ground, taking care not to damage the roots. You can store your harvested beets in a cool, dark place for several weeks.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Beets
Now that you’ve successfully grown your own beets, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Beets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Salads: Add thinly sliced beets to your favorite salads for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Roasted Beets: Roast beets with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a delicious and healthy side dish.
- Beetroot Soup: Create a creamy and flavorful beet soup that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
- Pickled Beets: Preserve your harvested beets by pickling them in vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Beet Juice: Make a refreshing and nutritious beet juice by blending raw beets with other fruits and vegetables.
Final Thoughts: From Seed to Salad
Growing beets from beets is a rewarding experience that connects you to the natural world and allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of your own homegrown produce. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate a bountiful harvest of vibrant beets that will add color and flavor to your meals. So, gather your supplies, get your hands dirty, and embark on your beet-growing journey!
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. How long does it take to grow beets from seeds?
Beets typically take 50-70 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
2. Can I grow beets from store-bought beets?
Yes, you can grow beets from store-bought beets, but it’s important to choose healthy, blemish-free beets.
3. How do I know if my beet seeds are viable?
To test the viability of your beet seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours. If they sink to the bottom, they are likely viable.
4. What are some common problems that can affect beet growth?
Common problems include root maggots, leaf miners, and powdery mildew. You can prevent these problems by practicing good garden hygiene, rotating crops, and using organic pest control methods.
5. Can I save beet seeds from my harvest to plant next year?
Yes, you can save beet seeds from your harvest, but it’s important to select the best beets for seed saving. Choose beets that have good size, shape, and color. Let the beet tops dry completely and then collect the seeds from the seed pods.
