Beets, often called beetroot in the UK, are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. They are versatile, nutritious and surprisingly easy to cultivate in a home garden or even in containers. With their sweet, earthy flavour and vibrant colours, beets add character to meals while providing a rich source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They are also one of the few vegetables that can be enjoyed both for their roots and their leafy tops. Learning how to plant beets properly ensures not only a steady harvest of delicious roots but also a supply of tender greens throughout the season.
Understanding beets
Beets belong to the species Beta vulgaris and are part of the same family as spinach and chard. They are biennial plants, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years, but they are generally grown as annuals for their roots. Beets come in many varieties, ranging from the classic deep red roots to golden beets, white varieties and even the striking Chioggia beet with its pink and white rings. Each has its own subtle differences in flavour and appearance, but all are grown in much the same way.
Choosing beet varieties
The choice of variety can influence how you plan your planting. Traditional red beetroot remains the most popular in the UK, but golden and white types are growing in popularity because they do not bleed colour during cooking. Chioggia beets are particularly attractive and often used for salads and decorative dishes. Early maturing varieties are ideal for quick harvests in spring and summer, while maincrop types provide larger roots for storage into autumn and winter. Mixing varieties adds diversity to both the garden and the kitchen.
Soil preparation for beets
Beets thrive in well drained, fertile soil that is free from stones and clumps, as irregularities can lead to misshapen roots. A sandy loam or light soil is ideal, as heavy clay can restrict growth. Before planting, dig over the soil to a depth of at least twenty centimetres and remove any stones. Adding compost or well rotted manure improves fertility, but fresh manure should be avoided as it can encourage leafy growth at the expense of roots. Beets prefer soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, so lime can be added if the soil is too acidic.
When to plant beets
Beets are cool season crops that can be planted from early spring through to late summer, depending on the desired harvest time. In the UK, seeds can be sown from March onwards once the soil has warmed slightly, and successive sowings every few weeks ensure a steady supply of roots throughout the season. For early crops, seeds can be started indoors in trays or modules and transplanted once conditions improve outdoors. Beets tolerate light frosts, making them suitable for both spring and autumn growing.
Sowing beet seeds
Beet seeds are unusual because what appears to be a single seed is actually a cluster containing several seeds. This means that multiple seedlings often emerge from one seed cluster. To sow, mark shallow drills about two centimetres deep and space them roughly thirty centimetres apart. Place seeds along the drills about ten centimetres apart and cover with soil, then water gently. As the seedlings appear, they should be thinned to leave the strongest plants at regular intervals. The thinnings, which are tender and edible, can be used in salads.
Caring for young beet plants
Once established, beet seedlings require relatively little care, but consistent watering is important to prevent roots from becoming woody or splitting. A mulch of compost helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Beets do not need excessive feeding, but applying a balanced fertiliser at the time of sowing or when the plants are young can encourage steady growth. It is important to avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, as these encourage leafy growth rather than root development.
Thinning and spacing
Because beet seeds often produce multiple seedlings, thinning is a crucial step in growing healthy crops. Overcrowded plants result in small, stunted roots. Once seedlings are about five centimetres tall, thin them to leave around ten centimetres between plants. The removed seedlings can be eaten as baby greens, which makes thinning a productive process rather than a wasteful one. Ensuring the correct spacing gives each beetroot the room it needs to develop a round, plump root.
Watering and feeding
Beets need consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, as fluctuations in water supply can cause roots to become tough or cracked. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In most cases, a single feed of general purpose fertiliser at mid season is enough, especially if the soil was enriched before planting. Overfeeding can result in large leaves and small roots, so balance is key.
Managing pests and diseases
Beets are relatively hardy but can suffer from some common pests and diseases. Leaf miners occasionally burrow into the leaves, leaving unsightly trails, but these usually do not affect the roots. Aphids may gather on young plants, though they can often be washed off or controlled naturally by ladybirds. Diseases such as downy mildew or leaf spot sometimes appear, particularly in damp weather, but crop rotation and good spacing usually keep these issues under control. The biggest threat is often birds or slugs feeding on young seedlings, which can be deterred with netting or by keeping the area weed free and tidy.
Harvesting beets
Beets can be harvested at various stages depending on preference. Baby beets, which are small and tender, can be picked after about eight weeks. Larger roots take around twelve to sixteen weeks to develop. Harvest by gently loosening the soil and pulling the roots by their tops. It is best not to let them grow too large, as oversized beets can become woody. The leaves can also be harvested sparingly throughout the growing season for salads or as a spinach substitute.
Storing beets
Freshly harvested beets can be stored for several weeks in a cool, dark place. For long term storage, roots should be kept in boxes of damp sand or sawdust in a shed or cellar. Beets can also be cooked and frozen or pickled for preservation. Properly stored beets provide a valuable winter food source, making them an excellent crop for extending the homegrown harvest beyond the summer months.
Growing beets in containers
For those without garden space, beets grow very well in containers. Choose a pot at least twenty five centimetres deep to give roots room to develop. Use a free draining compost and space plants about ten centimetres apart. Container grown beets require regular watering and feeding, but they can produce excellent crops in a small space, making them ideal for patios and balconies.
Benefits of growing beets
Beets are highly nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, folate, iron and antioxidants such as betalains, which give red beets their colour. They are linked to health benefits such as improved circulation and lower blood pressure. Beyond their nutritional value, they are versatile in the kitchen, suitable for roasting, boiling, juicing or even baking into cakes. The leaves provide an additional harvest, making beets a truly dual purpose crop. Growing them at home ensures a steady supply of fresh roots and greens that are superior in flavour to shop bought alternatives.
Common mistakes to avoid
Planting in heavy or stony soil is a common mistake that results in distorted roots. Neglecting to thin seedlings leads to overcrowding and small beets. Irregular watering is another pitfall, causing cracked or woody roots. Harvesting too late can also reduce quality, as older beets lose their tenderness. By addressing these common issues, gardeners can enjoy consistently good results.
Conclusion
So, how do you plant beets? It begins with choosing the right variety, preparing well drained and fertile soil, and sowing seeds in succession through the season. Careful thinning, consistent watering and attention to spacing ensure plump, tender roots. Harvesting can be done young for baby beets or later for larger roots, while the leaves offer an additional crop. With their ease of cultivation, versatility in the kitchen and nutritional value, beets are one of the most rewarding vegetables for the home garden. Planting them is straightforward, and with a little care, they will reward you with months of fresh and colourful harvests.
