Get to Know Beets: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing and Enjoying
Hello, urban gardeners and food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of beets. These colorful root veggies are nutritious and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to gardening or have a seasoned green thumb, beets are a fantastic addition to your garden. Let’s explore the different varieties, planting tips, care instructions, and some delicious, healthy recipes to enjoy your homegrown beets!
Why Grow Beets?
Beets are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber. They’re easy to grow and both the roots and greens are edible. Plus, they add a beautiful splash of color to your garden and your plate!
Varieties of Beets
Detroit Dark Red: A classic beet variety with deep red roots and sweet, tender flesh.
Golden Beets: These beets have a mild, sweet flavor and bright yellow-golden flesh that won’t stain your hands.
Chioggia Beets: Known for their stunning red and white concentric rings, these beets are as beautiful as they are tasty.
White Beets: These have a milder flavor and are great for those who want the beet benefits without the earthy taste.
Tips for Beginners
Start Small: Begin with a small garden patch or a few containers if you’re new to growing beets.
Sun and Soil: Beets prefer full sun and well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral pH.
Thin Seedlings: Beets need space to grow, so thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
Planting Beets
What You’ll Need:
Beet seeds
A sunny spot in your garden or deep containers
Compost or well-draining soil
Watering can or hose
When to Plant:
Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Fall Planting: Sow seeds in late summer for a fall harvest, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
Directions:
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your garden bed or fill your containers with well-draining soil mixed with compost.
Sow the Seeds:
Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
If you’re planting in containers, ensure they are deep enough (at least 12 inches) to accommodate the beet roots.
Watering: Water the soil gently but thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Thinning: Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to 3-4 inches apart to give each beet room to grow.
Caring for Your Beets
Watering: Beets need consistent moisture, especially during the early growth stages. Water deeply once a week, and more often during dry spells.
Feeding: Beets are light feeders, but a balanced fertilizer or compost applied mid-season can boost growth.
Weeding: Keep the beet bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Mulching: Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Harvesting Beets
Beets are usually ready to harvest 7-8 weeks after planting. Harvest when the tops of the roots begin to pop up above the soil line. Gently pull them from the soil, being careful not to damage the roots. If you are having a hard time pulling them up use a handheld shove about 6” away from the root to carefully loosen the soil around the beet root.
Using Beets in Healthy Recipes
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here are some delicious and healthy ways to use your homegrown beets:
Roasted Beets: Toss beet wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Beet Salad: Mix roasted beets with arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Beet Smoothie: Blend cooked beets with berries, banana, and a splash of almond milk for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
Beet Soup: Make a creamy beet soup by blending cooked beets with vegetable broth, a touch of coconut milk, and seasoning to taste.
Beet Greens: Sauté the beet greens with garlic and olive oil for a delicious side dish.
Recipe Idea: Crimson Dawn
by: Kriss Carr @ kriscarr.com/crimson-dawn/
Ingredients:
4 medium carrots
1 medium beet
1 large navel orange, peeled
1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed
2 stalks celery
3/4-1 inch piece ginger, peeled
Directions:
Wash and prep all ingredients.
Juice all ingredients.
For more delicious recipes pick a copy of Kris’s book, Crazy Sexy Juice by clicking here. This book packed full of super healthy and delicious recipes to help you get and stay healthy.
Final Thoughts:
Growing beets is a rewarding and delicious way to enhance your garden and your meals. They’re easy to grow, require minimal care, and provide a wealth of nutrients. So make beets a regular in your garden!
With love and greenery,
Janet & Jennifer
