Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil
Remove rocks and break up compacted soil
Mix in compost before planting
Sow beet seeds directly in the garden
Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep
Space seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart
Keep rows about 12 to 18 inches apart
Water the soil evenly after planting
Keep soil consistently moist during germination
Thin seedlings when they are a few inches tall
Leave about 3 to 4 inches between plants
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Weed regularly to reduce competition
Water deeply during dry periods
Avoid overwatering
Feed with a balanced fertilizer only if needed
Harvest baby beets when roots are small and tender
Harvest mature beets when roots are 1 to 3 inches wide
Pull or loosen soil gently before harvesting
Use beet greens when they are young and tender
Plant successive sowings every few weeks for a longer harvest