Field guide
How to grow beets: planting, care, and harvest guide
Beets typically reaches first harvest in 50–70 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant beets by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to January
Companion plants
Good companions: Onions, Lettuce, Cabbage
Avoid planting with: pole-beans, mustard
Harvest
When to pick
- Root tops are 1.5-3 inches in diameter at the soil line
- Beet shoulders are visible above soil
- Harvest before they exceed 3 inches — larger beets get woody
How: Loosen soil with a fork, pull by the base of the greens. Leave 1 inch of stem to prevent bleeding when cooked.
Storage: Remove greens (leaving 1-inch stems). Store roots in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Greens are edible and nutritious — use within a few days.
Common pests and problems
Leaf Miners
Signs: Tan blotchy trails inside leaves
Control: Remove affected leaves. Row covers. The root is usually fine even if leaves are damaged.
Flea Beetles
Signs: Tiny holes in foliage
Control: Row covers, neem oil. Beets tolerate moderate foliage damage without affecting root quality.
About this field guide
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