Beets are cold-hardy and can be sown directly in the ground about four weeks before the expected last frost. In Quebec, that generally means planting from mid-April to early May.

They prefer rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Enrich the soil with compost before planting.

Sow beet seeds about 1 cm deep and 4–5 cm apart. Space rows about 30–45 cm apart. Beet “seeds” are actually clusters, which means several seedlings may emerge from a single seed. You will need to thin the seedlings once they have a few true leaves.

When the seedlings reach 5–7 cm in height, thin them to leave 7–10 cm between plants. The thinned seedlings can be eaten as baby beet greens.

Beets need regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Soil that is too dry can cause uneven growth and tougher roots.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the beets to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth.

Harvesting can begin when the roots are about 5 cm in diameter, generally 50–70 days after sowing, depending on the variety. For the best texture, harvest beets before they grow larger than 7–10 cm.