Growing Beets in Containers

Beets, scientifically referred to as Beta vulgaris, are a popular root crop grown in a vegetable garden or indoors. Growing beets in containers is an excellent way to save space in your garden as you continue growing vegetables.

Another advantage of container vegetables is that you get a jump start on the germination process. When you start growing beets in pots, you allow the beet seeds to develop before transplanting them outdoors.

Learn how to grow beets in containers most efficiently. Beet varieties, like Detroit dark red beets, demand specific growing conditions to develop strong roots and produce an impressive harvest at the end of the season.

Perks of Growing Beets in Pots

Some people believe that container vegetables do not sprout as well compared to veggies planted outdoors. However, discover that a container garden allows you to have fresh beets as you save space. Planting vegetables in pots is a great option, whether the containers are on your patio or in the garden.

If you are curious about the initial steps to successful container gardening, continue reading to find out how to grow beets in containers.

A wide array of veggies sprouts in containers. A few common vegetables that container gardeners plant in pots include chard, radishes, and bell peppers, as well as growing Brussel sprouts in container. There are many advantages to container gardening.

One of the main perks of growing beets in pots is that it allows the plant to have an extended harvest time because the soil warms up faster in an enclosed space.

Other benefits of container gardening include a lessened chance of soil diseases, a significant reduction of weeds, and it allows you to control moisture and sunlight exposure. Follow these gardening tips for a beautiful container garden.

The Best Beet Varieties to Grow in Containers

There are several different kinds of beets. However, two main beet varieties are best for growing beets in containers. One type of beet is the Red Ace hybrid.

This kind of beet has shallow, lightly sweet roots that make it the ideal garden vegetable. Additionally, the Red Ace hybrid is capable of growing in cooler conditions.

There are also Moulin Rouge beets, which are beet varieties that are perfect if you live in an area that receives a lot of full sun.

Although this type of beet produces smaller fruit, it does not take away from the overall taste. When learning how to grow beets in containers, identify what type of beet you would like to establish to save garden space.

The First Step in Growing Beets in Containers

Perhaps the most important part of planting beets in pots is to choose the right kind of container. As you germinate beets, the best way to grow beets includes enough space in the container to spread its roots in the potting soil.

The pot you select can be as long as you would like; the pot’s depth requires more careful consideration. Finda pot that is at least ten inches deep.

If you plan on growing multiple beets simultaneously, know that beet seeds need at least three inches between each other.

Ensure the pot has drainage holes, too. With correct drainage, there is a lesser chance that the beet endures waterlogging and plant diseases, like boron deficiency.

How to Grow Beets in Containers in the Right Soil

Before you plant beet seeds, make sure your plants have the correct soil that promotes steady growth. Good potting soil for growing beets in pots has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Pick out a light, well-draining soil, so the beetroot has plenty of air circulation.

The proper potting mix provides your beets with essential nutrients. After you have chosen the right soil, it is time to sow your beet seeds. Bury each beet seed about one inch into the ground and space each seed at least three inches apart, so the roots can spread.

Proper spacing ensures each beet plant does not have to fight with one another for life-giving nutrients. Planting beets in containers is straightforward when the initial steps you take give the plant a solid foundation to develop.

Fertilizing and Growing Beets in Pots

Planting your beet seeds in the proper soil is a crucial part of germination. Another invaluable step to take when growing beets in pots is to fertilize your veggie.

Organic fertilizer offers even more nutrients and vitamins for your plants, encouraging a short amount of time until you harvest beets.

Fertilizers have measured NPK ratios, which indicate how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are included in the mixture. One of the easiest ways to fertilize beets is with a balanced fertilizer that has equal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Work in two tablespoons of organic fertilizer for every four inches of the container. Integrate the fertilizer or compost tea into the soil before burying your seeds.

As you begin to understand how to grow beets in containers, educate yourself on the important role of fertilizer in germination.

How to Transplant Beets Outdoors

If you intend to transplant your beets outdoors after starting them in a pot, we recommend starting your beets indoors in the early spring, even if there is cool weather.

As your beets begin to sprout, the best time to plant beets outdoors is when the seedlings are about two inches tall. However, you should not immediately move your plant from the container to the outdoor soil.

Acclimate your beet plants to the outdoor environment by placing them outdoors for an increasing amount of time each day for a week.

Carefully transplant your beet seedlings to your garden. Harvesting beets usually occurs in the late summer when you start growing beets in pots indoors.

Beets Require Plenty of Sunshine to Thrive

Beet varieties, like Early Wonder beets, love direct sunlight. The sun’s rays give plants nutrients through photosynthesis. The beet plant transforms the light from the sun into organic matter the veggie requires to develop properly.

One great thing about growing beets in containers is that it allows you to garden indoors despite cold weather. Even if you are experiencing an incredibly cool season, beets can still receive plenty of light while growing indoors.

Ensure your beet seeds receive between six and eight hours of direct sunlight. Place the container next to a window to observe the best results.

If the weather is cloudy or lacks sunshine, you will need a grow light to allow proper germination. Another helpful tool that locks moisture to prevent your beets from drying out is mulch.

Knowing the Common Pests of Beets

Before you harvest beets to make a delectable beet greens dish, a couple of prevalent pests attempt to steal your plant’s nutrients to survive.

Aphids are one the most familiar insects that cause significant damage to vegetable gardens everywhere. Signs that aphids are invading your beets include yellow leaves, stunted growth, wilting, and the plant’s premature death.

Other unwanted pests that feed on beet leaves are leaf miners. These bugs chew yellow squiggly lines in your plants’ leaves. This destructive insect eats the plant’s internal tissues, resulting in stunted growth and development of your beets.

You must know how to identify these infamous insects to protect your beets and ensure you have fruit to harvest as the growing season ends.

How to Repel and Eliminate Harmful Pests

There are simple DIY ways to prevent these insects from ever invading your beet plant. Some people believe that there is no hope after a swarm of aphids overtakes their plants.

However, repurposing everyday items like vinegar and essential oil help you combat the destruction. A vinegar-based bug repellent also works well for killing any aphids or leaf miners that are already on your plant.

After you pour all the ingredients into a small spray bottle, shake the mixture gently to ensure the oils absorb into the water. Spray the affected plants, including the leaves, soil, and stem, once every three days until the insect infestation is completely cured.

Whether your garden does not have enough room for another veggie, or if you want to speed up your beets’ harvest time, growing beets in containers comes with several advantages.

Not only do pots allow you to save space, but they also offer you the opportunity to control the plant’s light exposure, moisture intake, and growing conditions.

As you transplant your beetroot outdoors, it is important to consider a few pests that try to suck the nutrients from the leaves and main stem. Fortunately, a DIY bug repellent with vinegar and essential oils repels and eliminates aphids and leaf miners.

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