How to Grow Beets in Minnesota

Growing beets in Minnesota can be a rewarding endeavor, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. Beets are hardy root vegetables that thrive in Minnesota’s climate, and with the right techniques, you can cultivate a robust crop. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing beets successfully in the North Star State.

Understanding Beet Varieties

Before you start planting, it’s important to understand the different varieties of beets available. In general, there are two main types:

• Garden Beets: These are the most commonly grown variety and come in shades of red, gold, and even striped. They’re great for salads, soups, and pickling.
• Sugar Beets: Primarily grown for sugar production, these varieties are typically larger and have a higher sugar content but aren’t as common for home gardens.

For home gardening in Minnesota, garden beets are the best option.

Choosing the Right Time to Plant

Minnesota has a short growing season, so timing your planting is critical. Beets thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 70°F.

When to Plant

• Spring Planting: The best time to plant beets in Minnesota is from mid-April to early June. You can plant as soon as the soil is workable.
• Fall Planting: A second planting can be done in late July or early August for a fall harvest. Be cautious about frost; beets can tolerate some frost, but ensure they are matured before the first hard freeze.

Selecting the Site

Beets prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Here are some tips for selecting an ideal site:

• Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. However, partial shade is acceptable if combined with cooler weather conditions.
• Soil Type: Loamy or sandy soils with good drainage are optimal. Heavy clay soils can lead to poor root development and rot.
• Soil pH: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Preparing the Soil

Soil preparation is key to growing healthy beets:

1. Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH.
2. Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Incorporate lime if your soil’s pH is too low.
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Planting Beets

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant:

Seed Selection

Choose high-quality seeds suited for your local climate. Some recommended varieties include:

• Detroit Dark Red: A favorite among gardeners known for its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• Chioggia: Known for its unique red and white striped flesh.
• Golden Beet: Offers a milder flavor with stunning golden color.

Sowing Seeds

1. Spacing: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and spaced 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
2. Thinning: Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them to about 3-4 inches apart to allow room for mature root development.

Watering Requirements

Beets require consistent moisture for optimal growth:

• Soil Moisture: Maintain even moisture but avoid waterlogging; overly wet soil can lead to rot.
• Watering Schedule: Water deeply once or twice a week depending on rainfall, especially during dry spells. If your area experiences extreme heat, increase watering frequency.

Fertilizing Beets

Proper fertilization will enhance yield:

• Initial Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time—something with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10).
• Mid-Growth Fertilization: If your plants look somewhat pale or stunted at mid-growing stages (around four weeks after germination), consider applying a side-dressing of nitrogen fertilizer.

Pest Management

Pests can affect beet growth; here are common pests and management tips:

• Leaf Miners: These pests create tunnels within beet leaves. Hand-picking them or using row covers can help keep them away.
• Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects can weaken plants; wash them off with water or use insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Flea Beetles: These small beetles can create holes in leaves; use floating row covers or neem oil as preventive measures.

Disease Prevention

Be aware of diseases that may affect beet crops:

• Downy Mildew: Can cause yellow spots on leaves; practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Fusarium Wilt: This fungal disease affects roots; avoid planting beets in areas where other susceptible crops have been previously grown.

Harvesting Beets

Timing is crucial when harvesting:

• When to Harvest: Beets are typically ready for harvest about 50–70 days after planting depending on the variety. The size of the beet will indicate readiness; harvest when they reach about 1.5–3 inches in diameter.
• How to Harvest: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift them from the ground without damaging them.

Storing Beets

Freshly harvested beets can be stored effectively:

1. Cut off the greens leaving about an inch of stem attached (do not rinse).
2. Place them in breathable bags (like mesh) or leave them unwashed in open containers.
3. Store in a cool place (ideally around 32°F with humidity) such as a refrigerator or root cellar.

Conclusion

Growing beets in Minnesota is an achievable task with proper planning and care. By selecting suitable varieties, planting at the right time, managing pests and diseases carefully, and following best practices for watering and fertilizing, you’ll enjoy bountiful harvests of this nutritious vegetable. Not only do they taste great roasted or pickled, but they also offer numerous health benefits including high levels of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. So grab your gardening tools and get started—your beet adventure awaits!