When To Plant Beets In Georgia

If you’re wondering when to plant beets in Georgia, you’re in the right place. Getting the timing right is the first step to a great harvest of sweet, earthy roots.

Georgia’s climate, with its long springs and mild falls, is actually perfect for beets. These cool-season crops thrive when you work with the weather, not against it. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting times for both spring and autumn, plus tips to keep them growing strong.

For most of Georgia, you have two main planting windows. The trick is to avoid the peak summer heat, which can make beets bitter and tough.

Your first chance is in late winter to early spring. The second, and often best, chance is in the fall. Let’s break down the specific timing for each season.

Spring Planting Schedule

For a spring harvest, you need to get your seeds in the ground early. Beets can handle a light frost, which works to your advantage.

North Georgia: Plant from mid-February through March. The mountain areas may need to wait until early April if the ground is still frozen.
Middle Georgia: Aim for late January to early March. The window here is a bit longer.
South Georgia: You can start as early as January and continue through February.

The goal is to have your beets mature before the daytime temperatures consistently hit the 80s. Hot weather signals them to stop growing.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall is often the easiest and most productive time to grow beets in Georgia. The cooling temperatures make for sweet, tender roots.

North Georgia: Plant from August to early September. This gives them time to size up before a hard freeze.
Middle Georgia: Sow seeds from late August through September.
South Georgia: You can plant from September all the way into October, sometimes even early November.

Count backwards from your first average frost date. Beets need about 50-60 days to mature. Planting about 8-10 weeks before that frost is a safe bet.

Understanding Your Soil Temperature

Soil temperature is a more reliable guide than the calendar. A simple soil thermometer is a gardener’s best friend.

Beet seeds germinate best in soil between 50°F and 85°F. The ideal range is 60-70°F. If you plant in soil that’s too cold, seeds will rot. If it’s to hot, germination is poor.

Check your soil a few inches deep in the morning. When it’s consistently in that 50°F+ range, you’re good to go.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once your timing is set, follow these steps for success.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of full sun. Beets can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in spring.
Prepare the Soil: This is crucial. Beets need loose, well-draining soil free of rocks and clumps. Work the soil 8-12 inches deep. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost. Remove any stones you find so roots can grow straight.
Check Soil pH: Beets prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple test kit can tell you if you need to add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Place them about 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Beet “seeds” are actually dried fruit clusters that contain multiple seeds, so you’ll often get several seedlings in one spot.
Water Gently: Keep the seedbed consistently moist but not soggy. Use a gentle spray to avoid washing away the seeds.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart. This gives each beet enough room to develop. Don’t throw the thinnings away—the young greens are delicious in salads!

Choosing the Right Beet Varieties for Georgia

Some varieties perform better in our southern climate. Look for ones with good heat tolerance for spring planting and quick maturity.

Detroit Dark Red: A reliable, classic variety that does well in both seasons.
Early Wonder: Fast-maturing, great for getting a crop in before the heat.
Golden Beet: Sweeter and less earthy than red beets; the greens don’t bleed.
Chioggia: An Italian heirloom with beautiful red and white rings inside.
Cylindra: Produces long, cylindrical roots that are easy to slice for pickling.

Caring for Your Beet Crop

Consistent care after planting ensures a healthy harvest.

Watering

Beets need about 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked roots and tough texture. Soak the soil deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkles. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and keeps soil cool.

Fertilizing

If your soil is rich in compost, you may not need extra fertilizer. If growth seems slow, a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the bag) can encourage root development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which will give you huge leaves but small roots.

Pest and Disease Watch

Beets are relatively trouble-free, but keep an eye out.

Leaf Miners: These create squiggly white trails in leaves. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Flea Beetles: They make tiny holes in leaves. Row covers can prevent them.
Cercospora Leaf Spot: Shows as small brown spots with reddish-purple rings. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.

Harvesting and Storing Your Beets

You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they look big enough to eat. For the roots, they’re usually ready 50-70 days after planting.

Harvest when roots are 1 to 3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. Loosen the soil with a fork and gently pull them up. Don’t forget to twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem. This prevents the roots from “bleeding” and losing moisture in storage.

Store beets in a cool, humid place. They keep for months in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag. They also can be canned, pickled, or frozen for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant beets in the summer in Georgia?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat causes poor germination, bitter roots, and bolting (going to seed). Stick to spring and fall for the best results.

How late can you plant beets in Georgia?
For a fall crop, aim to get seeds in the ground at least 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In South Georgia, this can mean planting into early November.

Why are my beet seeds not sprouting?
Old seeds or incorrect soil temperature are common causes. Beet seeds lose viability after a few years. Also, ensure the seedbed stays evenly moist during the germination period.

Can I grow beets in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure it has good drainage. You may need to water container beets more frequently.

What are good companion plants for beets?
Onions, garlic, lettuce, and bush beans grow well near beets. Avoid planting them too close to pole beans, as they can compete.

By following these timing guidelines and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful beet harvest. The key is to respect their preference for cool weather. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown beets from your Georgia garden for much of the year.