How to Plant Beet Seeds

Overview

Beets are a table vegetable loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as other important vitamins and minerals. If you are concerned with purchasing your beets from a producer that may use pesticides or other chemicals, grow your own instead. Beets like cool weather, so they can be planted early, and they do not require a great deal of attention. Planting beet seeds is a simple task that requires following just a few steps.

Step 1

Dig rows for your beet seeds with a shovel or hoe as soon as you can begin working the ground, or at least 30 days before your last expected frost. Beet seeds germinate in cool weather, so it is the best time to plant them. Rows should be 6 inches wide and the soil should be loosened to a 3-inch depth. If you have more than one row, space them 12 inches apart. If you live in a dry climate, water the row before planting your seeds. In a northern, cooler climate, this step is not necessary.

Step 2

Sow the seeds 1/2 inch into the soil, with 1 inch between each seed.

Step 3

Cover the seeds with soil, but make sure there is no more than 1/2 inch to 1 inch of soil on top of them.

Step 4

Thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart when they are 3 inches tall.