Beets

資料來源
CAN I GROW BEETS?
Beets are a cool season favorite grown for their fleshy, round to oblong roots. Beets can also tolerate hot temperatures too. Easy to grow, just plant seed in well-loosened soil after danger of hard frost has passed.

PLANT HISTORY
Beets have been cultivated for thousands of years, originally grown mainly for their tasty greens. In more recent times beets have been valued for the earthy sweetness of the cylindrical roots.

SEEDS OR PLANTS?
Beets are best grown from seed, planted directly into the early spring garden.

CULTIVATION
Since beets grow best in cool weather, a thin application of mulch can sometimes help keep the roots temperate during the hotter days of summer.

GROWING TIPS
Make sure that your beets have adequate water for developing healthy and large roots. Add plenty of organic material to encourage growth.

INSECTS & DISEASES
Beets are rarely bothered by and pests or diseases.

HARVEST TIPS
Beets can begin to be harvested when they get to the size of a golf ball. These baby beets are fantastically flavorful and incredibly tender. Do not neglect the tops - the tasty greens are a special bonus.

RECIPES & STORAGE
Beets are delicious baked, grilled, roasted or broiled. Serve either hot or cold. Fantastic in salads
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資料來源Direct seeding in the garden is the easiest way to grow beets.
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to aid germination.
Sow seeds 1/2-inch deep and 1-inch apart in a sunny spot,
3 to 4 weeks before your last frost for an early summer crop.
Sow seeds again in late summer for a fall crop.
In frost free areas, you can do a third planting in September for a February harvest
.Beets will grow in most types of soil
but prefer that it be deep, well-drained,
and includes plenty of organic material, such as compost or aged manure.
Too much nitrogen will cause beets to produce lots of greens but little roots.
Each beet "seed" is actually a dried fruit made up of 1 to 6 individual seeds, so seedlings will sprout very close together.
If you plan to harvest the roots as well as the greens,
thin the seedlings when they are about 2" high.
Use scissors (so as not to disturb the remaining plants)
and leave the remaining ones 3" to 4" apart.
Be sure to toss the thinnings into salads.
Beets require even moisture, so don't let the soil dry out.
Mulch will help keep the soil moist and the beets cool, as well as discourage weeds (grass clippings work well).
Harvest beet roots when they are about 2-1/2" to 3" in diameter for optimum flavor and tenderness.
One of the best things about homegrown beets is that even if you abuse them, they will still taste delicious.
The hardy plants will put up with frosty mornings as well as hot and humid summer days.