Early Wonder is a variety of beets that takes 45-50 days to reach its maturity. Protect from heavy freezes by moving into the garage. You can eat the green leaves that beets grow. I may give this a go. 3. These super-fast maturing beets reveal a candy striped red and white interior. Adding a deep layer of mulch to cool the soil is ideal when the temperature is too warm. Thank you for these wonderful tips, I will definitely try and grow some vegetables this year and see how successful I am. Alright, now that you've held up your end of the deal for 50–60 days of actively tending your beets, they should be just about ready to harvest! Regards, snakeslane. Seeds can benefit from a brief soaking in water for 4-6 hours before planting to soften seed coat. Planting too deep also stimulates its growth. Add one beet seed per hole, cover up, and water the seeds in well. Beetroots are heavy feeders, so the plant requires an initial potting soil with high nutrients. Companion plants. Any variety of beets can thrive in large containers and can give you a continuous harvest if you plant every three to four weeks until late summer. Soil high in pH prefers foliar applications. I prefer small lava rocks, as they provide excellent aeration, moisture control and even slowly break down into usable plant minerals. Your email address will not be published. If you opt for the regular soil, remove any existing small pebbles, gravel, and compacted clumps in the soil. Greenhouse vs. Hothouse: What Is The Difference? But I am 85 years old, so gardening in containers would be best.. Of course, if you have ideas, I would love to hear those as well! They will cut and chew stems, roots and the leaves of your plants. Overwintered plants will naturally start to flower when exposed to temperatures below 50°F. Beets have a sweet taste and prefer the cold weather of spring and fall, so you’ll be able to utilize the growing containers for the summer crops after you harvest them. When choosing a container pot for beets, see to it that it has drainage holes and is deep enough to accommodate proper root development. In addition to that, beet container growing will save you from back pain due to bending and weeding. This quick maturing beet features a candy red stripe and a white interior. Catherine Dean from Milledgeville, Georgia on April 23, 2013: I am growing beets in containers for the first time. Just sow the seeds and let the plants grow for about 6-8 weeks. Also, adding soil amendments once during its growing period like compost and premium organic amendments is a smart idea. Grow two plants in a 10-gallon (38L) container. Plant beet seeds a half inch deep and spaced 2–3 inches apart. Beets are one of the easiest vegetables you can grow. Being creative in the garden can really be quite fascinating so let's share our experiences and be the best gardeners we can be. Choose a sunny spot to place growing beet plants. Each one contains 3 or 4 beet seeds. Pulling these could cause root damage to the remaining beets. Do you need to cover them as I live in Scotland? Sow beets in spring when soil temperature reaches 40˚F and the ground can be worked. Bull's Blood Beets growing in a raised garden container. For container-grown beets, use a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition once a week while you water. Organic fertilizer with equal NPK levels or homemade liquid compost is sufficient enough to provide essential nutrition. In your empty container, place a layer of small rocks or gravel at the very bottom. Verlie Burroughs from Canada on March 02, 2012: This is a good idea Joe Macho, I've never thought of growing beets in containers, the beet tops would have the added bonus of being so colourful and decorative. Beets can adapt to any variety of soil, but they do better when provided with an enriched one. Water the beets deeply so the roots seek the water in the soil. Also, just before the hard frost is the ideal time to harvest the crops. Planting at the right time is essential to avoid such an issue, and to lift the roots when the plant begins to flower. Required fields are marked *, The Makita Cordless String Trimmer is one of the most reliable, well-designed, and easy-to-use trimmers. Beets require full sun and cold temperatures to thrive. Transplanting them when they are bigger is already too late. Watering beets every other day for outdoor containers is sufficient. Have been thinking about growing them and this is encouraging. Distortion to top tip that leads to tip death, Development of soft brown centers in the root crops, 21 Plants That Are Healthy For Dogs To Eat. However, ensure the plants receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day, to allow the beets to grow at their full potential. You’ll notice that each beet seed is actually a cluster of 2-4 seeds. Beets are a cool weather crop and can be grown in fall (autumn) or in spring after the last frost. Sow seeds half an inch deep. Start planting seeds about half-inch deep in the container pots. Beets make a great container plant. Your seeds should germinate within five to ten days. Growing Beets in Containers Beetroot plants need room for the roots to grow. Dry seeds can easily be brushed off from the stem. Leaving the beets too long in the ground will result in hardy, woody roots. Here are a few varieties you can pick that grow well in container pots. When preparing supplies for growing beets in a container, it is also necessary to consider the variety of beet that will thrive well in small spaces. You have to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In pots or containers, the moisture tends to evaporate more quickly, so water every other day. Hi Jo, great hub, I grew beet in a box container for the first time last year I could have used this info. Boron deficiency is a disorder caused by rapid growth due to wide spacing, excessive nitrogen and potassium applications, and too much soil moisture. I tried a few beets in my tiny garden last year and they did ok. In order for the roots to have enough space to properly develop, grow beets in containers with a depth of at least 10 inches. This will increase the possibilities of transplant shock, resulting in stunted growth. Beet leaves may also be picked and consumed throughout the season. Keep a close eye on your dirt. In the table below, you'll find a short list of beet varieties that grow well in pots. Once the majority of the beet seeds have begun to sprout, thin out the seedlings so that they stand three inches apart from each other. If you said yes, you'll definitely want to continue on to learn how to grow beets in pots! Strong foliage and the classic deep red beet root! With edible leaves in the mix on top of an already versatile and delectable root, beets can be an extremely efficient crop to grow. We grow so many of them from the time my son told us they are good for anemia. Water the plant regularly to keep the beet tender and to prevent discoloration. When thinning your seedlings, try using scissors to cut at the base of unneeded seedlings. However, providing good air circulation is the best way to avoid such a problem. If the seeds are growing in seed trays with covers on them or any other sort of humidity-retaining feature, you will probably only need to water them every two or three days. When beets are crowded, they have a tendency to grow deformed and misshapen, so be sure to give each plant plenty of room to develop normally. Onions, kohlrabi. But wait, it's not just all about the root! Then let’s continue to learn how to grow beets in containers. Always perform the soil finger-test to determine if the plants need water. Adequate space is necessary to allow beets to develop correctly, making it essential to select a container that is at least 10 inches deep or more. As they are heavy feeders, beets will also need an initial potting soil with high nutritional value. Well then, growing beets could be the perfect solution to your needs. The stones of about an inch or two deep will serve as a barrier to promote adequate soil drainage to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged. The following varieties above provide exceptional results when grown in a container. Cutworms are pests you can find curling under the soil. An organic all-purpose fertilizer with equal NPK levels will suffice. 5 Tips How To Improve Drainage In Potted Plants, Top 11 Vegetables To Grow in Pots During Winter. Beets prefer acid soils. Hi there! They can be grown larger, but tend to loose sweetness and become fibrous. Time of Planting. It would be easier for me to grow them in pots. When the top inch of soil has become dry, it's time to water. Zach's writing ranges from matters of gardening, cooking, aquariums, and fish to more niche topics like coin collecting. You can leave them to mature and dry, and harvest the stalk after. Excessive nitrogen will result in larger leaves but smaller root development. Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on March 03, 2012: I'm not a fan of beets but my family like them. Great hub, I voted up! Sprinkling wood ash around the plant base and keeping the garden weed-free can help too. Keep the soil moist and the beets should germinate within a couple weeks time. If you plant beets for the beetroot, you must prevent the plants to bloom or bolt. They don't need staking, pruning or fussing. Plant beets in a loose, organically rich soil. I do have some space in my back yard, but I always just grew flowers, now having heard the entire series on 'The Truth about Cancer The Global Quest, and am hearing. However, other varieties are good enough to harvest before their full maturity, while some a little bit later. The seeds are wind-pollinated and can cross-pollinate unless isolated or bagged. The soil of beets should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Beets generally take 50-70 days to mature. Beet Care. Harvesting Tips & Storage. This rock layer should be about an inch or two deep and will serve as the perfect barrier to promote proper soil drainage. The secret to successful container gardening is choosing the right varieties. Beets are biennials. Like many other crops, beets prefer loose and aerated soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Are you on the hunt for a fast-growing root crop to plant in containers, but don't necessarily care for the "spicy bite" of radishes? Before you start preparing your containers for growing beets in, it's important to select a variety that will thrive in the small space provided. Such an occurrence will result in smaller beets. When beets start to germinate, moving them from a small container to the bigger one is what the plant hates, which is why planting them into their permanent container is necessary. So the container or … Do not add nitrogen-fertilizer during planting if you use potting soil because too much nitrogen will result in a lush leaf but smaller beet. Soil. Since beets prefer the cooler weather of spring and autumn, you'll be able to utilize their growing containers for summer crops after these sweet treats have been harvested. Be sure to remember to remove all rocks and hard clumps from within the body of the soil. Beets have always been prized for their ability to grow in almost any climate or soil condition, so naturally they are also well suited for container gardens. Container Growing Beets. Beets are tasty and easy to grow, and both the roots and leaves can be used in cooking. Flowers. Because beets are generally grown as a root crop, they will do best in full sun but should do fine in part shade. Sounds pretty good right? Now that you've got all the supplies and preparation work checked off, it's time to plant and grow some beets! You can also grow beets in any large container; just drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Seeds germinate quicker in warmer soil between 55-75˚F and can take between 10-20 days to emerge from the soil. Beets quickly use up nutrients in the soil, so it is necessary to add supplemental fertilizer once during its growth. Beets will quickly use up available nutrients in your potting soil, so a supplemental fertilizer should be used once during their growth. Beet greens are very pretty, so tuck a few beet plants in among your flower beds. Water and Feeding Beets. There is no treatment available for plants that have already incurred damping-off. Boron deficiency varies on the susceptibility of different varieties. But a container that is too big is also heavy to move around, and you need to spend an ample amount to fill with adequate soil. Homemade compost teas will also be very efficient in delivering proper nutrition. Most gardeners recommend you to plant them in between March and April or 2 weeks after the last frost. While they are tolerant of low fertility, beets like well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 7. Beets tend to become woody when left in the ground for too long. To help speed the time it takes your beets to sprout, soak the beet seeds overnight in dechlorinated water. Lettuce is a tasty vegetable and it … Although beets grow best in cool conditions with lots of sun, containers allow you to move the plants to the best advantage when growing in fall and winter. Beet seeds have a tough seed coat that can lead to long germination times. Always ensure there’s no water-logging by keeping the soil well-drained and free from other pathogens. It has brought me so much joy and happiness that it is definitely safe to say that I will be a gardener for life. For the most tender and flavorsome leaves, pick young when less than 6 inches in length. To help … What can I say? So, a soil test is necessary to know the crop’s exact requirements. Sunlight – full exposure to sunlight is required for beets to grow. Soil – rich, loose, well-draining, with no pests and weed seeds is great for growing vegetables. Store the newly harvested crops in a cool, dry place. As an alternative, you can plant this plant 10 weeks before the frost. I wish you the best of luck and thank you for stopping by to read my article on how to grow beets in pots. For most outdoor containers, watering beets every other day should do the trick. For a continuous harvest of beets, plant a new crop every three to four weeks until late summer. Keep the stem attached to prevent bleeding that will moisture out the crops when harvesting beets. You can harvest the roots at any time between midsummer and late fall. You can use a simple watering can to settle the soil and seeds in the container. Depth is the most significant factor you have to consider when growing beets in a container. Containers – different sizes with drainage holes will do. Choose from a broad array of the best vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers for containers. Matching their astonishing growth rates are their equally great sweet flavors. Beets grow fast, and their maturity usually reaches after 55 days. When the temperature is too warm, it is best to provide a deep layer of mulch to cool the soil. Beets are ready to transplant when they get their first pair of real leaves. Each beet seed is actually a piece of fruit. Since you only have one shot at properly preparing the containers, it's essential that you do it right! Root deformation happens because of overcrowding and heavily compacted clay soil. Place a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom of your empty container. Beets belong to the same species as Swiss Chard, so when growing for seed, do not plant both crops at the same time. Again spacing depends on the variety you are growing so check the seed packet before sowing. I will be harvesting them soon. Depth is most important when choosing containers to grow beets in. Light. I will be using your tips and I shared it with my followers. 3. Cindy A Johnson from Sevierville, TN on March 02, 2012: Thanks for this information. Detroit Dark Red beets are the standard in the gardening world. Next, select a pot with at least 6 inches (15 cm.) However, you have to be careful as you pull as to not damage the remaining healthy beets. I appreciate your well-written article, nicely done. Small lava rocks are also excellent in providing aeration, moisture control, and gradually breaks down into usable plant minerals over time. Unlike many vegetable crops that may be germinated in a smaller container and transplanted later for larger growth, beets do not like to be moved around and should be planted directly into their permanent container. You will know your plants are boron deficient if you find these following symptoms: You can amend boron deficient soil with boron fertilizer like borax, boric acid, and solubor. Fill the pot with potting soil amended with organic matter like compost. I'll try it. You'll find that beets reach a harvestable size a bit slower than radishes, but they still grow at impeccable rates. Its vibrant color can be a great addition to your garden. Use row covers to prevent issues like pests and. Usually, beet seeds have a hard seed coat, taking much time to germinate. You can plant beet seeds in any direction for a full crop. You will be able to move them around or bring them indoors when outside temperatures are freezing. When thinning the seedlings, you may opt to use scissors to snip the base of unneeded seedlings or pull them gently by hand. Soil that is loamy, penetrable and promotes the development of large roots is best for growing … However, you can use biodegradable pots like those made out of peat, newspaper, and other organic materials to transplant your plant if you wish to. You can deal with this problem by placing a 3-inch paper collar around the stem. These are the factors that you should consider for successful beet growth. Looking for more ideas for your container garden? If you find this article helpful and would love to share your beet gardening experience, please feel free to share it by writing in the comment section below. Keep the plants tidy by picking off damaged leaves as the plants grow. Here's a look at a few more edible crops that are perfect mates for containers: This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Keep beets … Most growers harvest beet crops when they are about an inch in diameter for delicious flavor, but not more than 2 ½ inches in diameter. Beets that receive full-day sunlight produce the best beet taste.