When To Plant Beets In Ohio

If you’re planning your Ohio garden, knowing when to plant beets is key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our spring and fall weather, but timing it right makes all the difference for sweet, tender roots.

Planting at the correct time avoids issues like woody textures or bolting. Let’s break down the best schedule for your region, along with simple tips for success.

For most of Ohio, the primary planting window is in early spring. You can start sowing seeds directly in the garden about 2-4 weeks before your area’s last expected spring frost date. For a continuous supply, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until late spring.

A second, often excellent, planting season is in late summer for a fall harvest. Aim to plant seeds about 8-10 weeks before your first average fall frost date. Fall beets often have superior flavor, as cooler temperatures concentrate their sugars.

Ohio’s Spring Planting Dates by Region

Ohio’s climate varies from north to south, so frost dates shift. Here’s a regional guide:

Northern Ohio (e.g., Cleveland, Toledo): Last spring frost is typically around May 10-15. Plant beet seeds from mid-April to late May.
Central Ohio (e.g., Columbus, Dayton): Last spring frost is usually around April 30 to May 5. You can begin planting in early to mid-April.
Southern Ohio (e.g., Cincinnati, Athens): Last spring frost often occurs around April 15-25. Start planting as early as late March or early April.

Planning Your Fall Beet Crop

Fall planting is less rushed and yields delicious results. Count back from your first fall frost date:

Northern Ohio: First frost around October 10-20. Plant beet seeds from late July to mid-August.
Central Ohio: First frost around October 15-25. Plant from early August to early September.
Southern Ohio: First frost around October 20-30. Plant from mid-August to mid-September.

You can use a light frost blanket to extend the season even further in autumn.

How to Plant Beets Successfully

Follow these steps for a strong start:

Choose the Right Spot: Select a site that gets at least 6 hours of full sun. The soil should be loose, well-draining, and free of large stones.
Prepare the Soil: Beets need soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve texture and fertility. Remove any rocks, as they can cause misshapen roots.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Each “seed” is actually a cluster, so you’ll get multiple seedlings. Water the area gently but thoroughly after sowing.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart. This gives each beet enough room to grow round. Don’t throw the thinnings away—the young greens are tasty in salads!

Choosing the Best Beet Varieties for Ohio

Some varieties perform exceptionally well in our climate. Consider these types:

‘Detroit Dark Red’: A reliable, classic variety with excellent flavor and good storage qualities.
‘Golden Beet’: Doesn’t bleed color and has a sweeter, milder taste. Great for roasting.
‘Chioggia: An Italian heirloom with beautiful red and white concentric rings inside.
‘Cylindra’ or ‘Formanova’: Produces long, cylindrical roots that are perfect for slicing and canning.

Caring for Your Beet Plants

Consistent care is simple but crucial for healthy growth.

Watering and Feeding

Beets need even moisture. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or watering. A soaker hose is ideal to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to tough roots.

If your soil was prepared with compost, additional fertilizer may not be needed. If growth seems slow, a light feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer can help. To much nitrogen, however, will promote leafy tops at the expense of root development.

Weeding and Mulching

Keep the area around your beets weed-free, as competition stunts growth. Gently hand-pull weeds close to the plants. Applying a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and keep roots cool.

Common Problems and Solutions

Beets are relatively trouble-free, but here are a few issues to watch for:

Small or No Roots: Usually caused by overcrowding (forgetting to thin), poor soil, or inadequate watering.
Leaf Miners or Flea Beetles: Use floating row covers as a barrier immediately after planting. Remove affected leaves.
Scabby or Rough Skin on Roots: This can indicate a soil pH that’s too low (acidic). A soil test can confirm, and adding lime can correct it over time.

Harvesting and Storing Your Beets

You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they are a few inches tall. For the roots, they are typically ready 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety.

Harvest when roots are 1 to 3 inches in diameter for the best tenderness. Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork and lift them out. Don’t forget to twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding during cooking.

For storage, keep beets in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer or a root cellar. They can last for several months stored properly.

FAQ: Planting Beets in Ohio

Can I plant beets in July in Ohio?

Yes, but it depends on your goal. For a fall harvest, late July planting is perfect for northern Ohio. In central and southern Ohio, you can plant into early August. For a spring harvest, July is to late; the heat will cause poor germination.

What is the latest date to plant beets?

The latest date is about 8-10 weeks before your first hard fall frost. Use your local frost date as a guide. You can gain a couple extra weeks by using row covers for protection as temperatures drop.

Do beets grow well in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage. You’ll need to water container-grown beets more frequently than those in the ground.

Why did my beets grow lots of leaves but small roots?

This is often caused by to much nitrogen in the soil or insufficient thinning. Next time, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers and be diligent about thinning seedlings to the proper spacing.

With the right timing and basic care, growing beets in Ohio is a straightforward and rewarding garden project. By following the spring and fall schedules for your region, you’ll enjoy a long season of homegrown beets, from their vibrant roots to their nutritious greens.