When To Plant Beets In Maine

If you’re planning your garden in the Pine Tree State, knowing when to plant beets in Maine is the key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in Maine’s climate, but timing is everything to avoid bolting or tough roots.

Beets are a fantastic choice for Maine gardeners. They’re relatively easy to grow, provide both tasty roots and nutritious greens, and store well for winter. Getting the planting dates right means you can enjoy a long season of harvests, from tender baby beets to sturdy storage varieties.

The best planting times depend on whether you’re sowing in spring or aiming for a fall crop. Maine’s relatively short growing season means we need to work with the frost dates.

Spring Planting

For a spring planting, your goal is to get seeds into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically 2-4 weeks before your area’s last average spring frost date.

Southern & Coastal Maine (Zones 5b-6a): Aim for mid-April to early May. The soil warms up a bit earlier here.
Central & Inland Maine (Zone 5a): Target late April to mid-May. Wait for that soggy spring soil to dry out a little.
Northern Maine (Zone 4): Plan for late May to early June. Patience is crucial to avoid seeds rotting in cold ground.

A good rule of thumb is to plant when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C). You can use a simple soil thermometer to check. Seeds will germinate slowly in cold soil, but they’ll sprout.

Fall Planting

For an often sweeter fall harvest, plant beets in late summer. The trick is to time it so the roots mature during the cool days of autumn.

Calculate your planting date by finding your first average fall frost date.
Count backwards 8-10 weeks from that date. This gives beets enough time to size up.
Most of Maine: This fall planting window usually falls in late July to mid-August.

Fall-planted beets benefit from warm soil for quick germination and cooler weather for growth. They often have less pest pressure and can be incredibly sweet after a light frost.

Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest

Don’t plant all your beet seeds at once! To avoid a glut and ensure a steady supply, try succession planting.

Make your first spring sowing.
Then, every 2-3 weeks, plant another small row or block.
Stop your successions in early summer (it gets too hot).
Resume with your main fall planting in late summer.

This method gives you a constant supply of tender, young beets and greens throughout the season.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Beets need loose, well-drained soil to form perfect round roots. Hard, rocky, or compacted soil will lead to misshapen growth.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Beets prefer full sun (at least 6 hours).
Loosen the Soil: Dig down at least 8-12 inches. Remove any stones or clumps you find.
Amend the Soil: Mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause forked roots.
Check the pH: Beets like a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can confirm this.
Fertilize Gently: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or one with slightly higher phosphorus (the middle number) for root development.

How to Plant Beet Seeds Correctly

Planting beet seeds properly saves you work later and improves germination. Each “seed” is actually a dried fruit cluster containing 2-4 true seeds.

Create shallow rows about 1/2 to 1 inch deep.
Sow seeds 1 inch apart. Don’t worry about spacing perfectly yet.
Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil or compost, then pat gently.
Water the row thoroughly but gently, using a fine spray to avoid washing seeds away.
Keep the soil consistently moist until you see seedlings, which can take 7-14 days.

Thinning is Non-Negotiable

This is the step many gardeners skip, but it’s essential. If you don’t thin, you’ll get lots of leaves and tiny, crowded roots.

When seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart.
You can snip the extras at the soil line with scissors (to avoid disturbing nearby roots) or carefully pull them.
Don’t waste the thinnings! The young leaves and tiny roots are delicious in salads.

Caring for Your Beet Plants

Once established, beets are low-maintenance. Follow these simple care tips for the best yield.

Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Consistent moisture is key for smooth, non-woody roots. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, especially when plants are young. Weeds compete for nutrients and water.
Pest Watch: Leaf miners and flea beetles can be a issue. Use row covers to protect young plants. For leaf miners, pick off affected leaves.

Harvesting and Storing Your Maine Beets

You can start harvesting whenever you like! For tender “baby beets,” pull them when the roots are about 1 inch in diameter. For main harvest, wait until they are 2-3 inches across.

For storage, harvest before a hard freeze. Twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding. Store in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper or a root cellar. They can last for several months this way.

Recommended Beet Varieties for Maine

Some varieties perform exceptionally well in our climate. Here are a few reliable choices:

‘Detroit Dark Red’: A classic, reliable heirloom with great flavor and storage ability.
‘Golden’: A yellow beet that doesn’t bleed. The sweetness is wonderful, and the greens are very tasty.
‘Chioggia’: An Italian heirloom with stunning red and white concentric rings inside.
‘Cylindra’: A long, cylindrical beet that’s perfect for slicing and pickling. It makes very efficient use of garden space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant beets in June in Maine?

Yes, you can plant beets in early June, especially in Northern Maine. This will be a summer harvest crop. Be prepared to provide ample water, as summer heat can stress the plants. Mulching is very helpful for June plantings.

What is the latest date to plant beets?

For a fall harvest, aim to get seeds in the ground by mid-August in most of Maine. You can push it to late August if you use a fast-maturing variety (around 50 days) and are prepared to protect the crop with a row cover if an early frost threatens.

Can I start beets indoors?

It’s generally not recommended. Beets have a taproot that dislikes being transplanted. Direct sowing is the most successful and easiest method. Disturbing the roots can lead to misshapen growth.

Why are my beet leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can have a few causes. The most common in Maine are inconsistent watering or a nutrient deficiency. Sometimes it can be a sign of a disease like leaf spot. Ensure even moisture and consider a side-dressing of compost if the problem persists.

With the right timing and simple care, growing beets in Maine is a rewarding endevor. By following these guidelines for when to plant beets in Maine, you’ll set yourself up for a bountiful harvest of this versatile and nutritious root vegetable. Your garden, and your kitchen, will thank you.