If you’re planning your Tennessee garden, knowing when to plant beets is key to a great harvest. This guide covers the optimal planting times for this versatile root vegetable in our state.
Beets are a fantastic crop for Tennessee gardeners. They handle our climate well and give you both sweet roots and tasty greens. With two main planting seasons, you can enjoy beets for much of the year. Let’s get your planting schedule sorted.
When to Plant Beets in Tennessee – Optimal Planting Times for
Timing is everything with beets. Plant them to mature in cool weather for the best flavor and texture. In Tennessee, we have distinct windows in spring and fall.
Spring Planting Schedule
For a spring harvest, you need to get your seeds in the ground early. Beet seeds germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F, but they do best around 50°F.
- West Tennessee: Plant from mid-February through late March.
- Middle Tennessee: Aim for early March to early April.
- East Tennessee & Highlands: Wait until late March to mid-April.
The goal is to harvest before the intense summer heat arrives, which can make beets woody and bitter.
Fall Planting Schedule
Fall is often the best time for beets in Tennessee. The cooling temperatures create perfect, sweet roots. You’ll plant in late summer for a fall or even early winter harvest.
- West Tennessee: Plant from mid-August to late September.
- Middle Tennessee: Plant from early August to mid-September.
- East Tennessee & Highlands: Plant from late July to early September.
Count backwards 6-8 weeks from your first expected fall frost date. This gives beets enough time to size up.
Using Frost Dates as Your Guide
Your local frost dates are your best tool. The last spring frost and first fall frost bookend your season.
- For spring, plant 2-4 weeks before your last average frost date.
- For fall, plant 8-10 weeks before your first average frost date.
A light frost at harvest time actually improves the flavor, making them even sweeter.
Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest
Don’t plant all your seeds at once. To avoid a glut, use succession planting.
- At your first planting date, sow a 3-4 foot row.
- Every 2-3 weeks after, plant another short row.
- Stop spring plantings about one month before daytime temps consistently hit 75°F.
- In fall, make your final sowing about 8 weeks before the hard freeze.
This method gives you a steady supply of tender, young beets over weeks.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Beets need loose, well-draining soil to form nice round roots. Heavy clay or rocky soil will cause misshapen growth.
- Loosen the Soil: Dig down at least 12 inches. Break up any hard clumps.
- Amend with Compost: Mix in 2-3 inches of finished compost. This improves drainage and fertility.
- Check the pH: Beets prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to adjust it.
- Remove Stones: Clear out small rocks to give roots room to expand.
Fertilizing for Success
Go easy on nitrogen. Too much leads to huge leaves but tiny roots. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or one with slightly higher phosphorus (the middle number on the bag). Work it into the soil before planting.
How to Plant Beet Seeds Correctly
Beet “seeds” are actually dried fruit clusters containing multiple seeds. This is why you often get several seedlings from one.
- Create shallow rows about 1/2 inch deep.
- Space seeds 1 inch apart in the row.
- Cover lightly with fine soil or compost and water gently.
- Space your rows about 12 inches apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which takes 5-14 days.
Thinning is Non-Negotiable
This is the hardest part for new gardeners, but it’s crucial. Crowded beets won’t develop.
- First Thin: When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin to one plant every 2 inches.
- Final Thin: When the small beets (about the size of a marble) touch, thin to a final spacing of 3-4 inches apart.
Don’t waste the thinnings! The young leaves are delicious in salads.
Seasonal Care Tips for Tennessee
Your care routine changes slightly with the season.
Spring Crop Care
- Mulch: After seedlings are established, apply a light mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds as things warm up.
- Water: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Spring rains often help, but watch for dry spells.
- Heat Watch: Be ready to harvest quickly if an early heatwave hits.
Fall Crop Care
- Watering: Consistent watering is critical for August-planted seeds. Use a shade cloth or board to keep the seedbed cool and moist until germination.
- Frost Protection: Later in the season, use a row cover to protect plants from hard freezes. This can extend your harvest by weeks.
- Sweetening Frost: As mentioned, a light frost improves flavor, so don’t rush to pull them all at once.
Recommended Beet Varieties for Tennessee
Some varieties perform particularly well in our climate.
- Detroit Dark Red: A reliable, classic variety for both spring and fall.
- Chioggia (Candy Cane): Beautiful interior rings; great for fall when colors intensify.
- Golden Beet: Doesn’t bleed; sweeter flavor. Good for succession planting.
- Cylindra: Forms cylindrical roots that are easy to slice. Excellent for canning and pickling.
- Early Wonder: Fast maturing, good for early spring plantings where you want a quick crop.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good timing, issues can pop up.
- Small or No Roots: Usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or too much nitrogen.
- Woody, Bitter Taste: Caused by harvesting too late in hot weather or inconsistent watering.
- Leaf Miners or Flea Beetles: Use floating row covers as a physical barrier right after planting.
- Poor Germination: Often due to old seeds, soil crusting over, or letting the seedbed dry out. Soaking seeds for a few hours before planting can help.
Harvesting and Storing Your Bounty
You can start harvesting when roots are about 1 inch in diameter for “baby beets.” For full size, wait until they are 2-3 inches. Don’t let them get much larger or they become tough.
To store, twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem. Don’t cut the tail. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper for several weeks. For long-term storage, beets can be kept in damp sand in a cool, dark place like a root cellar.
FAQ: Planting Beets in Tennessee
Can I plant beets in the summer in Tennessee?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plants, leading to poor root development and bitter flavor. Stick to spring and fall for the optimal planting times.
How long do beets take to grow?
Most varieties mature in 50-70 days from planting. You can however harvest the greens earlier and the roots can be pulled at various sizes.
Can I grow beets in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and be diligent about watering and thinning. Shallow or round varieties like ‘Little Ball’ are good choices.
Should I soak beet seeds before planting?
Soaking for 8-12 hours can speed up germination, especially in drier spring or fall soil. It’s not required, but it can give you a more uniform stand of seedlings.
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 or mustard greens.
By following these timing and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful beet harvest. The key is working with Tennessee’s seasons, not against them. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown beets from your garden for much of the year.