The versatility and easy care of beets make them a popular root vegetable. They are primarily a cool-season crop, but can germinate at temperatures up to 90 degrees. Either way, beets thrive in full sun and light, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Give them about one inch of water a week and consider mulch to help retain moisture. Remove rocks, weeds and anything else in the soil that might obstruct root growth.

Insects that like feeding on leaves are common beet enemies. Watch for the ragged foliage holes that are left by leaf miners, aphids, flea beetles and similar pests. Leaf hoppers also spread viral diseases. Discolored or wilting foliage could be a sign of bacterial and fungal infections or root rot.

Starting beet seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the final spring frost can be beneficial if you have a short growing season, have limited garden space or want more control over the growing environment. Sow the seeds a half-inch deep in a seed-starting mix; for cell trays, plant 2-3 seeds per cell. Water them regularly and provide at least six hours a day of sunlight or grow lights. Once the seedlings develop true leaves, thin them to one per cell, or 3-4 inches apart in open trays. Harden the seedlings for a few days before transplanting.

Start in-ground planting or transplanting beets once the final threat of a spring frost has passed. Pick an open area with full sunlight or light shade. Plant seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows separated by 12-18 inches. Thin the seedlings later as described in the seeding section.

Growing beets in containers is much like traditional garden growing. Use well-draining containers that are at least 10 inches deep with a vegetable-formulated potting mix. Select a diameter based on how many beet plants you want to grow per pot.

Soil that’s already rich in organic matter may not need additional fertilization. For weaker soil, add an all-purpose or vegetable fertilizer when planting, then again about two weeks after the leaves emerge. Using organic compost or seaweed extract also provides boron, an essential nutrient that helps prevent black heart disorder. Only use high-nitrogen fertilizers if you prefer leafy growth. Soil testing will help you figure out unique fertilizer requirements.

Beets are a biennial, frost-tolerant plant. In most cases, you can remove the leaves and leave the root in the ground for harvesting the following season. A thick layer of organic mulch will provide insulation in the coldest regions. Southern gardeners can grow beets as usual during the winter.

Other than thinning the seedlings, pruning beets is not necessary. As the leaves are edible, you can remove them when the plants are 3-6 inches tall, while letting the roots continue growing. Only cut some of the leaves at once, as trimming all of them will halt root development.

Most beet roots mature in 8-10 weeks. The ideal diameter for flavor and texture is 1.5-2 inches. Loosen the soil around the roots with your hands or a trowel, then gently pull them from the ground. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or in a root cellar for up to four months.