If you want to learn how to grow beets, here are some tips. Find out how to thin your beets and how to keep weeds away from taking over your garden. Also, learn how to grow beets on raised beds. These tips will help you grow healthy beets and avoid pests and diseases that can attack your garden.
Thinning beets
When growing beets, it is important to thin seedlings as they emerge. A single seedling will take up more space than a cluster of seeds, and it is best to thin beets at three to four inches apart to give them adequate room to grow. Thinning will allow seedlings to develop root systems.
Beet seedlings should be thinned when they reach about four to five inches. Seedlings are usually clumped together in clusters. Seedlings can be damaged if they are clumped together once they have germinated. It is much safer to remove extra beet seedlings than to transplant them.
Preventing weeds taking over beets
Beets are slow-growing plants and are vulnerable to weed competition. These weeds can be taller than the beet crop and appear earlier, which can reduce yields. To control weeds, farmers can use a combination of herbicides and hoes to prevent them from overtaking the crop. However, these methods do not always work, and weed control methods may reduce yields by as much as 80%. In addition to weeds, beets are also attacked by insects and diseases. These insects may cause direct damage or transmit viral diseases.
Thankfully, there are several methods for controlling weeds in beets, including post-emergence herbicides. When applied prior to beets emerging, these herbicides can cause minimal damage to the plants. Select Max can be used to suppress grasses, while Spin-Aid can provide broadleaf protection. However, Spin-Aid is best used on healthy plants and should not be applied to stressed plants.
Pests and diseases that affect beets
Several pests and diseases attack beet plants, causing damage to the leaves and resulting in slower plant growth. Beets are susceptible to curly top virus, which can cause purple veins to appear on leaves. Beets can be infected by cutworms. This can cause the leaves become thicker and yellower. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to control these pests with pesticides.
Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects beets in warm, wet climates. Cercospora leaf spots is characterized by purple-colored, round spots. The leaves can also develop irregular spots and mold from downy mildew. Fortunately, some varieties are bred to be resistant to downy mildew. This disease can be reduced by improving air circulation. You should also be aware of weeds that could harbor fungal diseases.
Growing beets in raised beds
Beets are well suited for raised beds and containers. They need at least 12 inches of space to grow their roots, but they can be grown in smaller containers. Ideally, you should use a mix that has nutrient-rich compost and excellent drainage. In a raised bed, use a mix with a nutrient-rich compost such as Miracle-Gro Performance Organics(r) Raised Bed Mix.
Plant seedlings in rows 12-18 inches apart. For best results, thin the plants when the greens are four to five inches tall. This will encourage the roots to grow to their full potential. When thinning, be careful not to disturb the roots.
Harvesting beets
Harvesting beets should take place between 50 and 70 days after they are planted. The root is ready to harvest when it is about the size of a tennis ball or golf ball. Remove the mulch and inspect the crowns of the beets sticking out above the soil to harvest them. If they are large, they can be left in the ground longer, but younger ones will have a better flavor and more nutrients.
You must first water your beets before you can harvest them. This will loosen the soil around the roots and make it easier to harvest them. After the roots have been lifted, you should use a fork to dig them up. Be sure to hold onto the greens at the base of the root so that they do not separate from the beets.
Planting beets in containers
Because they don’t require much space, beets can be grown in any kind of location. They grow best in containers that have good air circulation and drainage. They also do well in part shade or full sunlight. Plant them in succession if you want to ensure a constant supply of beets.
In late summer, when the weather is warm and moist, you can plant beets in containers. When growing beets, make sure the soil is free of weeds. Once the seeds germinate, you should water them but not too much to make them soggy. It is important to keep the soil moist until the plants sprout. It is easy for container soil to dry out, especially in warm weather. To help keep the soil moist, it is best to cover it with mulch.
Hi there! I’m Hans, and I’m the author of GardenerAZ. We’re here to help gardeners of all levels grow and thrive. Our content comprises expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable tips to help you get the most out of your garden. Plus, our community is full of passionate gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, GardenerAZ has everything you need to make your gardening dreams come true.
I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. When I’m not writing or gardening, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. They keep me busy (in a good way), but I always find time for my favorite hobby: gardening!
