How to Plant Beets in August

Carrots can be planted with beets in late August.

Beets are ordinarily planted in the spring beginning two to three weeks before the last expected frost. They may also be planted in late August as long as temperatures remain below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground does not freeze before harvest time. Beets require two to three months of temperatures between 50 and 80 F. Plant an early harvest or short harvest type of beet that will be ready in 50 to 60 days for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Rototiller
• Compost or well-aged manure
• Sand
• Hoe
• Beet seeds

Instructions

1. 

   Beets are more likely to develop black spot in acidic soil.

   Have the garden soil tested by your county Extension office for pH and nutrient levels prior to preparation. Beets require loose, organically rich soil that drains well and has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 to grow well. Acid soil with a pH below 6 can cause beets to be stunted and develop a bitter taste.

2. 

   Add manure and compost to improve nutrient levels and texture.

   Till the garden area to a depth of 8 inches. Spread well-aged manure, compost, sand and any other amendments at the rate recommended by the local Extension office evenly over the tilled soil. Add sand to keep the soil loose and improve draining capabilities. Till the entire area again until the soil amendments are completely mixed in and the soil is fine and loose. Remove hard lumps of soil that do not break up easily, stones and any other hard objects. The beets may become malformed if these objects are not removed prior to planting.

3. 

   Angle the hoe so that one corner is 1-inch deep in the soil.

   Use the hoe to make a 1-inch-deep trench where the row of beets will be planted. Drag the hoe down the length of the planting site to create a shallow trench. Plant the beet seed clusters 1 inch apart down the length of the row. Use the flat edge of the hoe to gently push the soil over the beet seed clusters. Plant multiple rows 1 to 1 1/2 feet apart.

4. 

   Harvest beets when they reach 1 to 3 inches in diameter.

   Water the rows of seeds immediately after planting. Continue to water them daily or as often as necessary to keep the soil evenly moist. Allowing the soil to dry between waterings will result in stunted tough beets. Thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart when they reach 3 inches tall.

Tips & Warnings

• The beet seed clusters may be broken apart by placing them on a hard surface and very gently rolling them with a rolling pin if planting single seeds is preferred.

• Soak the seeds for 10 to 12 hours in warm water prior to planting for faster germination.

References

• Harvest to Table: Planting Beets
• Yardener: Planting Beets