Beets contain one to four seeds and are extremely easy to grow in a wide variety of soils. The roots and leaves of beets are incredibly nutritious, containing antioxidants, minerals and vitamin C. Beets are thought to improve cardiovascular health, protect against liver disease, regulate stomach acidity, and lower blood pressure.
Sowing: Sow 1cm (½’’) deep, 5-10cm (2-4’’) apart in rows 30-45cm (12’18’’) apart.
Soil: Mix ½ cup of complete fertilizer with composted soil and water regularly. Ideal pH is 6.0 -- 6.8.
Growing: Seeds will germinate 5-12 days. Carefully thin to 7-15cm (3-5’’) apart when seedlings are 5cm (2’’) tall for uniformly sized beets.
Harvesting: Harvest at any size and eat the greens too. To lengthen the storage life of the roots, trim the leaves from the roots, leaving 5cm (2’’) of stubble.
Pests and Disease:
Soil may need more boron if beets have blank cankers in the roots. Dissolve 1 Tbsp of borax to 4L of water and spread evenly over 9sq. m (100sq ft) of soil.
Maintain rotation and sanitation to prevent cercospora leaf spots (circular lesions with a purple halo).
Leaf miner maggots cause grey tunnels in leaves. To prevent the leaf miner fly from laying eggs, use floating row cover (a thin, transparent, and flexible sheeting).
Companion Planting: Bush beans, Brassicas, corn, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, and mint.
Refrigerate beets quickly after harvesting and enjoy a delicious vegetable dish. Sweet beet root makes an excellent pairing with sour vinegar or can be fermented to make a tasty wine.
For tips on growing other vegetables in your garden in August, read the article Start Sowing these Seeds this August.