At our home garden called The Veggie-Bed, we take pride in growing beautiful and delicious beets. To ensure a successful harvest, we follow a careful and organic process from planting to storage. Here’s a detailed guide on how we grow, care for, and store our beets for maximum freshness and flavor:
Beets thrive in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, so we prepare the beds with organic compost before growing. We direct-sow beet seeds in late summer, 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost in our area. The beet seeds are sown about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. A thin layer of mulch is applied over the newly planted beet seeds to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. When the beet seedlings reach about 2 inches in height, we thin them out to allow for proper spacing, leaving about 3-4 inches between plants to prevent overcrowding.
Beets require consistent moisture, particularly during germination and root development. Therefore, we ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged by watering deeply once a week, adapting as needed based on weather conditions. We regularly eliminate weeds around our beet plants, as they compete for nutrients and space and can hinder beet growth. A thin layer of organic compost is maintained around the plants as they grow. We are regularly on the lookout for pests such as aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Beets are typically ready for harvest when they are about 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter and vibrantly colored. We grow beets for greens and start harvesting the leaves when they’re about 4-6 inches tall. Our beets are harvested in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to prevent wilting and handled gently during harvest to avoid damaging the roots. The excess soil is removed, but we wait to wash the beets until we are ready to use them.
The beets are stored in the vegetable crisper drawer of our refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or in a damp paper towel, ensuring they stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. Before storing we cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the root, and gently wash the beets to remove any soil and pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
If you have access to a root cellar or a cool, dark basement, store beets in a box or crate filled with sand, sawdust, or dry leaves to maintain humidity and prevent drying out. Check regularly for any signs of spoilage. For the best taste, remember to use fresher beets within a few weeks of harvest.
Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in various culinary creations. Their earthy sweetness and vibrant color make them a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether roasted, pickled, or juiced, beets are sure to bring a unique and flavorful touch to any dish.
Image: AI-Generated
Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick
About the Writer/Photographer: Tom Myrick
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