Beta vulgaris
History:
Swiss chard and beets are the same plant. The swiss chard selected for its leaves and beets for their bulb-like roots. These plants date back to ancient greek and roman civilizations where they were used as feed for both humans and animals. In the 1700’s there began a movement to produce sugar from beets for northern climates. Today, sugar beets are used to make up a large portion of the world’s sugar supply.
Seeding:
Beets can be direct seeded or transplanted. In warm climates, direct seed into the garden in March and mid August to early September for a fall/winter harvest. Seed .5” deep and look for germination in 5-15 days. Initially, thin seedlings to 2-3” apart. Use the baby greens in salads. As the plants grow, cut and harvest young plants for more tender greens, leaving behind plants spaced at 4-6” apart to grow on to maturity.
Spacing:
Space 2-3” thinning to 4-6”. Rows spaced apart 6”.
Cultivation:
Beets are light feeders and do not require much maintenance. A light addition of compost a month after planting makes a nice boost and will extend the harvest season but isn’t necessary. If your having trouble growing beets, check the pH of your soil. They prefer a more neutral soil.If you find your soil on the acidic side, add lime to raise the pH.
Harvest:
Harvest young tender beet greens for salads and larger greens for cooking. Once beets are thinned to 4-6” apart, let them mature until beets are about the size of a golf ball. Beets are good pickled, baked, or sliced raw and in salads.
