How to plant:

· Beets can be started indoors and then transplanted outdoors.

· Being related to Swiss Chard and Spinach, beets should not be planted in close proximity or succession with these crops.

· The plot should be kept well weeded to discourage competition which can result in a less than peak harvest.

· Beets have a good tolerance for low fertility soil, and too much nitrogen can encourage top growth which will detract from root development.

· If you want a continuous harvest all season long, stagger your plantings about 3 weeks from each other so they will be ready to harvest at different points during the season.

· Seeds should be planted approximately 3 /4 inches deep and 1 inch apart in rows of approximately 12-18 inch spacing.

· After germination when seedlings are approximately 4-5 inches tall, seedlings will need to be thinned, depending on your desired harvest.

· For early harvesting of small, cylindrical roots, thin to 3-4 inches apart.

· For later harvests of larger roots thin to 6+ inch spacing.

· Take care when thinning to not disturb the nearby developing roots.