Growing Beets - Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Beets
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Long Season Crop - Plant Spring for Summer Harvest and Summer for Fall Harvest. Frost tolerant
- Multipurpose - harvest leaves or roots
- Nutritional Profile - Very rich in minerals, contains antioxidants
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Use in: bortsch, dips, juicing, roasts, etc
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Choose a full sun location. Beets will grow in part sun but tuber production reduced, would be more suitable for baby beet or beet green producton
Soil: Beets require a light, well-drained, cool soil with pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Compost or well-rotted manure along with pure wood ashes, as a supply of additional potassium, should be mixed well into the soil prior to planting.
Moisture: Keep well-watered as drought will result in tough or woody roots.
Planting: Plant every two weeks, starting as early as soil can be worked until late
Spacing: Plant 9 beets per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.
Sow seeds directly into the garden thinly 1⁄2-1 inch deep Soil temperature should be 18-24 degrees C for optimal germination but will germinate in cooler soil
Harvesting:
Young and tender beet leaves can be used as greens. Dig or pull roots when 2-3 inches in diameter or desired size.
Storage/Preparation:
Beets are best pickled for off grid storage or stored in moist sand in a cool room.
Companions:
Bush bean, cabbage family, corn, leek, lettuce, onion, radish.