Red, Gold & Candystripe

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly and evenly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, replant more seed in the rows as seedlings will catch up fast. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to stand 3 to 4 inches apart so roots have room to grow and mature.

GROWING NOTES

For best quality tender roots, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in early fall at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Be sure to thin beet seedlings carefully several times when plants are small as they’ll grow best if given enough room.

HARVEST AND USE

After thinning seedlings, use tender young tops for nutritious flavorful steamed greens. Harvest baby beets at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or let roots grow as large as desired. Garden fresh beets cook quickly. They are delicious steamed, boiled or baked whole in their skins like potatoes, then peeled for wonderful color and sweet concentrated flavor.