Beets are a versatile, cool-season root vegetable perfectly suited for cultivation across Wisconsin’s varied climate. They thrive in moderate temperatures, offering the potential for both spring and fall harvests. Success depends on understanding region-specific planting windows and preparing the soil to accommodate root growth. This guide provides the schedule and practices to ensure a successful beet harvest.
The Optimal Planting Schedule for Wisconsin Beets
Beets are best planted directly into the garden once the soil is workable and reaches at least 40°F; optimal germination occurs between 50°F and 75°F. For southern Wisconsin, spring planting can begin around April 15th, while northern areas should wait until late April. This timing typically falls before the average last spring frost date (mid-May), as beets are tolerant of mild frost and light freezes.
To maintain a continuous supply of tender roots and greens throughout the season, succession planting is recommended. Sow a new batch of seeds every two to three weeks until mid-summer. Beets prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall; growth can slow down or lead to bolting (premature flowering) if temperatures exceed 85°F.
For a second, often sweeter harvest in the fall, sowing should occur from mid-summer through early fall. Count back 50 to 70 days from the expected date of the first hard frost to determine the final planting window. Fall-planted beets benefit from cooling temperatures, which help convert starches into sugars, enhancing their flavor. Harvest these cold-tolerant roots before the ground freezes solid.
Soil Preparation and Site Selection
Proper site selection and pre-planting soil preparation are fundamental for growing well-formed beetroots. Beets require a site that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, though they can tolerate light afternoon shade. The soil must be deep, loose, and friable, allowing the taproot to expand without obstruction.
Remove any rocks, debris, or clods of clay from the planting area, as these obstacles will cause developing roots to fork or become misshapen. Beets thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, which helps maintain consistent moisture. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, specifically between 6.0 and 7.0.
Essential Post-Planting Care
Once the beet seeds have germinated and the seedlings reach a height of four to five inches, thinning is a mandatory step for proper root development. Because each “seed” is actually a cluster of two to four seeds, multiple seedlings often emerge from a single spot, leading to overcrowding.
These young plants must be thinned so that the remaining seedlings are spaced three to four inches apart. When thinning, it is best to snip the unwanted seedlings at the soil line rather than pulling them out, which could disturb the delicate roots of the plants you intend to keep.
Consistent and uniform watering is important, especially when the roots begin to swell, as irregular moisture can cause the roots to crack or become woody. Midwestern beet crops are susceptible to pests like leaf miners, which tunnel through the leaves; covering the plants with a row cover can help prevent this damage.
Harvesting Your Beet Crop
Most beet varieties reach maturity and are ready for harvest approximately 55 to 70 days after planting. The roots can be harvested once they reach a diameter of about one to three inches. Harvesting at this smaller size ensures the best flavor and tenderness, as overly large beets can become tough and woody.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork or spade before grasping the leaves at the base and pulling the beet from the earth.
The greens are also edible and should be trimmed off immediately after harvest, leaving about one inch of the stem attached to the root. Clipping the leaves prevents the root from becoming spongy, as the greens continue to draw moisture from the root during storage.