Yesterday, after the rain finally stopped, Lucy the Puggle Dog and I went outside and planted an entire 4×8 garden box full of beet seeds. Growing up I only liked pickled beets, but as I’ve learn to cook them over the last few years, I’ve really fallen in love with them.
The Handsome Husband and I both love them, but the kids? Well, they haven’t exactly acquired a taste for them just quite yet. But I’m sure at some point they will. 😉
This year I planted 4 varieties:
- Gourmet Blend {My favorite!}
- Chioggia {Looks neat when sliced!}
- Bulls Blood
- Early Wonder {Tasty beet greens}
If you have never grown beets before {or just need a little refresher, here are a few tips:
Brief description: Beets are a sweet and delicious root veggie.
Where to Plant Beets: Plant in raised beds and/or garden beds.
Planting Seeds: Plant outdoors 2-4 weeks before the average last frost. For best results, soak seeds for 8-24 hours before sowing–they will germinate faster. Plant seeds 1/2″ deep {about 3 seeds every 4″}. When seedlings are 2″ tall, thin to one every 4″.
Growing Tips: Beets are a cool weather crop. They can be sown in early spring or late summer for a fall crop. They like even moisture, so don’t let the soil dry out–mulching in the hot months will keep them cool and happy.
How to Harvest: Harvest when beets are 1-1/2″ to 3″ in diameter. You can harvest the leaves for salads, cooking or garnishes. You can also, obviously, harvest the actual beet. You can either pull them out or dig them out–it’s really a personal preference, though, if you dig them out, make sure not to slice the beet with your shovel. Wait to wash your beets until you are ready to use them, they will last longer that way.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Here are a few of my Favorite Beet recipes:
Roasted Red Beet and White Bean Hummus
Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Walnuts
Interesting Fact: About 10-15% of all U.S. adults experience beeturia (a reddening of the urine) after consumption of beets. This is important stuff to know, don’t you agree? Ha!
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