Planting dates
Start with the seasonal rule, not one statewide calendar day. In many South Texas areas, Texas A&M describes winter production. Farther north, it points to the first workable soil in spring. If heat is already the dominant condition in the bed, wait for the next cool-season opportunity.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsYour region
The source separates many South Texas gardens from locations farther north but does not publish a single set of county dates. Use its regional distinction to plan the season, then check with your county Extension office for a local calendar. Do not convert the phrase “as soon as the soil can be worked” into a universal date.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsHow to plant
Make a furrow about one-half inch deep. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. A beet seed can produce several plants, so thinning is part of the method, not a sign that the row failed.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsThin for roots and greens
Thin crowded plants until they stand 2 to 3 inches apart. Texas A&M notes that young tops can be used as greens. Keep enough plants for the roots you want to harvest instead of thinning the whole row at once.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsWhat to watch after sowing
Texas A&M gives a typical harvest range of 7 to 8 weeks after planting, with roots golf-ball size or larger. Treat that as a planning range. Record the sowing date and observe root size rather than treating the calendar as a harvest guarantee.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsChoose your next step
Your South Texas garden is in its cool winter period
Use the winter growing opportunity, then check a county calendar for the local timing and bed conditions.You are farther north and the soil is workable in spring
Check that the soil is at least 40°F, sow the seed, and plan to thin the multi-seed clusters.The garden is already hot
Do not force a cool-season beet planting. Prepare the bed for the next suitable cool-weather window.Planting questions
Can I grow beet greens as well as roots?
Yes. Texas A&M says beets are grown for both roots and young tops, but leave enough plants in the row if you also want mature roots.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsWhy did several seedlings emerge from one spot?
A beet seed can produce 2 to 6 plants. Thin the crowded cluster to the final spacing instead of assuming it is a disease problem.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beetsCan I make repeat sowings?
Texas A&M suggests sowings about three weeks apart for a continuous supply, as long as the cool-season conditions still fit your garden.
Texas A&M: Easy gardening, beets