Growing beets in an urban garden can be a great way to add variety to your homegrown produce. Not only are they packed full of key vitamins and minerals, but they are also easy to grow and require little maintenance. Whether you have a large, expansive garden or a small plot of land, you can easily grow beets right in the heart of the city. In this article, we will look at the steps involved in growing beets in your urban garden, from the basics of planting to tips on harvesting and storing.

What You Will Need

Beets come in a variety of types and colors, ranging from pink, red, yellow, and even white. When choosing which variety of beet to grow in your urban garden, consider the flavor, size, and your growing space. Some of the more popular varieties to grow include Chioggia, Detroit Dark Red, and Golden.

Preparing the Garden Soil

Beets thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Before planting, mix in some compost, manure, or other organic matter to give your beets the nutrients they need.

Planting Beets

Beets can be planted directly in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 45°F (7°C). Plant the beet seeds about 1/2 inch deep and about 2 inches apart. When the plants have grown to about 3 inches, thin out the seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart.

Watering and Fertilizing

Beets need plenty of water to grow, so make sure to water 1 to 2 inches per week. If your soil is very sandy, you may need to water more often. Fertilize your beets every 1 to 2 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer to ensure healthy growth.

Harvesting your Beets

Beets are ready to be harvested when they reach the size of a golf ball. Carefully dig around the beet and lift it out of the soil. Use the beets fresh or store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Finding the Right Spot

When it comes to growing beets in an urban garden, selecting a suitable location is key. Beets prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 6.8. Find a place that gets plenty of sun — at least six hours of direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to assess the space you have available. If you have a very small garden, try planting beets in containers instead of in the ground.

Preparing the Ground

Once you have selected the right spot, you’ll need to prepare the soil by tilling it with a garden fork or tiller. Make sure to turn the soil over to a depth of approximately 10 inches. Beets will best thrive in a soil with added compost or fertilizer. Work the compost or fertilizer into the soil before planting. If your soil is very sandy, you may also want to consider adding some clay or other soil conditioner.

Water Requirements for Beets

Beets require about one inch of water per week. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist — especially in the first few weeks of growth. It’s also important to provide good drainage. Consider using a watering can or irrigation systems like drip irrigation or soaker hoses to ensure uniform water application.

Disease Prevention and Maintenance

Beet crops are generally disease-resistant, but there are still steps you can take to protect your plants. Rotate your crops every year and avoid growing beets in the same place as last year. Remove any weeds or debris as they may harbor pests or disease. Mulching around the beets is another great strategy for disease prevention and helps to keep the soil moist.

Planting the Seeds

Growing beets in an urban garden requires the right supplies to ensure maximum success. You’ll need to get beet seeds, preferably organic, as well as some soil and containers. Beets tend to produce larger roots if they are grown in a container, so it is best to provide them with some kind of container such as a pot or window box. Additionally, you will need some compost or fertilizer, as well as a trowel and water can.

Creating a Suitable Soil Mixture for Beets

When preparing the soil for beets in an urban garden, it is important to create a soil mixture that is well-draining but also contains enough organic material to retain moisture. To do this, combine equal parts of potting soil and compost, and add a handful of sand or perlite for extra drainage. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mixture prior to planting.

Planting Beets in the Urban Garden

Once the soil is prepared, it is time to plant the beets. Sow the seeds directly in the container and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Make sure the seeds are planted in an even pattern, as beets tend to crowd each other when growing in close proximity. Water the soil and place the containers in a sunny location with access to 6-8 hours of sun per day.

Caring for Growing Beets

Beets are low-maintenance plants, but they do need regular watering and weeding to ensure optimal growth. Water the soil lightly every other day and make sure the soil does not dry out. When the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height, the soil should be weeded to prevent competition for nutrients. Additionally, you can give the beets a nutrient boost by applying a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

Harvesting Beets from the Urban Garden

Beets are ready to be harvested when they are two to three inches in diameter. Gently remove the beets from the soil, and discard any diseased or damaged roots. Allow the beets to dry and cure in the sun for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place. Beets will keep for several weeks when stored correctly.

Watering and Weeding

Growing beets in an urban garden is a great way to add fresh, nutritious vegetables to your diet. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil properly. The soil should be well-draining, and amended with organic compost or manure to help improve the texture and nutrient content. Beets prefer a soil pH of 6.0 – 7.0, so testing the soil and making adjustments such as adding lime if needed can help ensure the best results.

Fertilizing Beets

Beets are relatively light feeders and don’t require a lot of fertilizer. Adding a light application of a balanced fertilizer at planting time and once during the growing season is usually enough. Manure tea or compost tea can also be used in place of fertilizer.

Watering Beets

Beets need plenty of regular water in order to develop the sweetest and most tender roots. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Watering deeply once a week and for short periods multiple times per week is usually adequate. Mulching can also help keep the soil moist and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Weeding Beets

Weeds can rob beets of the water, nutrients, and space they need to thrive, so regular weeding is important. Hand pulling is usually the best option, since weeds can easily be disturbed by hoeing or tilling, making them even more of a problem. A layer of mulch around the plants can also help to discourage weeds from germinating.

Harvesting the Beets

Beetroots are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be easily grown in your urban garden. To ensure a successful harvest and get the most out of your crop, it’s important to harvest beets at the right time.

Checking for Maturity

When harvesting beets, it’s important to check for maturity before proceeding. Beets are usually ready for harvesting when they’re 2-3 inches in diameter, though this size may vary depending on the variety you’ve planted. When you pull a beet out of the soil, you should check to make sure that the skin is smooth and without any blemishes.

Harvesting Methods

When harvesting beets, it’s important to use the correct method. Pulling the beet out of the soil by hand is the most common way, but care should be taken to avoid damaging the root and leaves. Alternatively, you can use a gardening fork or spade to gently loosen the soil and remove the beetroots.

Storing Beets

Once you’ve harvested the beets, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Be sure to trim the leaves and roots before storage as these can draw moisture away from the beetroot. If you want to store the beets for a longer period of time, you can also freeze or can them.

Preserving the Beetroots

As well as simply storing the beets, you can also preserve them in a variety of other ways. Pickling is a popular way to preserve beets and is also an easy way to add flavor to your harvested beets. Alternatively, you can can the beets in jars or slice them and dry them to make beet chips.

Harvesting Beets in Your Urban Garden

Growing beets in an urban garden has become increasingly popular in recent years. With proper sunlight and soil conditions, it is easy to have a successful beet crop. Beets should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained, loose soil. After planting, beets should be watered regularly, and mulch can be used to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Fertilizer should also be applied to ensure nutrient-rich soil. When ready, beets can be harvested by hand. Some gardeners may wish to leave the beets in the ground for a few weeks longer for larger sizes. After harvesting, beets can be stored for several weeks in a cool, dark place. Urban gardeners can enjoy their own freshly grown beets, adding flavor and nutrition to meals.