How to Grow Beets in Open Ground

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'beet'? Probably the first thing that pops up — authentic Ukrainian borscht. Delicious, right? And also, vinaigrette, shuba, sweet beet with nuts, fresh juice, and many other things. The abundance of ways to use this root vegetable is simply amazing. Therefore, it's no surprise that this crop can always be found in gardens. Moreover, the vegetable can be grown almost anywhere: from the hot south to regions with a climate comparable to the Far North. This allows you to enjoy beet dishes almost everywhere, which are not only tasty but also healthy. The root contains vitamins and minerals that help us stay healthy.

If you decided to grow the vegetable yourself in open ground, we recommend buying beet seeds from the online store "Lucky Seed." The leading supplier allows you to choose the most suitable variety that meets high consumer demands. Any product is guaranteed to give an excellent harvest, which you will appreciate. On the company's website, vegetable seed sales are conducted at favorable terms and a pleasant price. Thousands of customers have already chosen the products of the online store "Lucky Seed." Evaluate the quality of the product yourself.

Preparation

It is recommended to grow beets in open ground on a well-lit area. The plot should be loosened so that the root can "breathe." We do not recommend planting the root vegetable on the same plot for several years in a row or where carrots were previously grown. However, beets will be very happy to change the location of cucumbers or tomatoes. On such soil, you can expect a good harvest.

Before sowing, the plot should be fertilized with ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassium chloride, and so on. Next, proceed to creating holes in which the seeds will be placed. The holes should be dug immediately before planting. Ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist.

Beet seeds are quite large, so it is easy to plant them with the required spacing. Using purchased seeds, do not worry if they are bright pink or green. This means they have been treated with special growth stimulants and fungicides. Such seeds can be planted directly into the ground. They do not require additional treatment.

Planting Rules

It is better to plant beets either in early spring or at the end of October. This will allow you to get the first — the earliest harvest. Important condition: before planting seeds in the soil, ensure that the soil temperature is not less than +8 degrees. Otherwise, the sprout may simply freeze. Ensure that in the first period after planting, the temperature does not drop below +4. Otherwise, you will end up with a flowerless plant.

The main rules for planting beets are as follows:

• you can pre-soak seeds in a growth stimulant (this applies to those that are not treated);
• it is not necessary to form furrows if planting is done in the spring;
• it is mandatory to cover the seeds with a 2-centimeter layer of soil;
• be especially careful when planting in autumn (cover the beds with special insulating material in case of frost).

Care for the planting is required throughout the entire maturation period. This includes loosening the soil, watering, fertilizing, and taking measures against pests. All this is carried out with some regularity. For example, fertilization is recommended to be added to the soil no more than once a month, and watering depends on the level of drought.

Harvesting the Crop

Harvesting is recommended to begin on warm, dry autumn days (September–October). Signs indicating the need to harvest beets are a fully ripe fruit and withered foliage.

Pay special attention to harvesting. Try not to damage the fruit, as it will not be able to store for long. Such beets are recommended to be used soon.

Storing the root vegetable is best done in a cool cellar. This will help preserve the flavor and firmness of the beets fully. However, ensure that all fruits are free from damage and signs of disease.