Beets, with their striking colors and earthy-sweet flavor, are a true gift from the garden. From the classic deep red beets to the sunny yellow and playful Chioggia (that’s the candy-striped one!), they come in a dazzling array of varieties. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to grow, even if you’re a gardening newbie. In fact, we believe beets are one of the 13 best easy-to-grow garden vegetables!
Imagine strolling through your garden, the sun on your face, and gently pulling a plump, vibrant beet from the soil. That satisfying tug, the earthy scent of the fresh root, the vibrant color peeking through the dirt – it’s a taste of homegrown goodness you won’t soon forget.
Why Grow Beets?
- Nutrient Powerhouses: Beets are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a super healthy addition to any diet. They’re especially high in nitrates, which can be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Easy to Grow: Beets are relatively easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners.
- Dual Delight: You get two crops in one! Enjoy the delicious roots and the nutritious greens.
- Versatile Veggies: From roasted root vegetables to vibrant salads to hearty soups, beets can be used in a wide variety of culinary creations.
- Storage Stars: Beets store well, so you can enjoy your harvest for months to come.
- Beautiful Beet Greens: Don’t forget the greens! Beet greens are delicious and nutritious, similar to spinach or chard.
How to Eat Beets:
- Roasted Roots: Roasting beets brings out their sweetness and makes them tender and caramelized.
- Pickled Perfection: Pickled beets are a classic condiment and a great way to preserve your harvest.
- Raw and Refreshing: Young, tender beets can be grated or thinly sliced and added to salads for a crunchy and colorful touch.
- Beet Greens Bonanza: Sauté beet greens with garlic and olive oil for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
- Soups and Stews: Beets add a vibrant color and earthy flavor to soups and stews.
- Juiced Jewels: Beet juice is a refreshing and healthy beverage.
Growing Beets:
Beets are biennials, but they are usually grown as annuals for their roots. They are a cool-season crop and can be planted in early spring or late summer.
- Planting Power: You can sow beet seeds directly into the ground once the soil has warmed up. Beet “seeds” are actually seed clusters, so you may need to thin the seedlings after they germinate.
- Watering Wisdom: Beets need consistent moisture, especially during germination and root development.
- Fertilizing Fundamentals: Beets benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
- Sunshine State of Mind: Beets prefer full sun to partial shade.
- Soil Savvy: They grow best in well-drained soil that is loose and free of rocks.
- Harvesting Happiness: Beets are ready to harvest when the roots are the desired size, usually about 1-3 inches in diameter. Don’t let them get too large, or they can become tough and woody.
Tips and Tricks:
- Pest Patrol: Keep an eye out for common pests like leaf miners and flea beetles.
- Thinning Thrills: Thin the seedlings to give the beets enough space to grow.
- Succession Planting: Plant a new batch of seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
- Don’t Overwater: Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Don’t Damage the Greens: When harvesting, avoid damaging the greens, as they are also edible and delicious.
Beet Cuisine:
Beets are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Let’s try a recipe that celebrates their earthy sweetness:
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Glaze:
This is a colorful and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
- 4 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- Mixed greens
- For the Balsamic Glaze:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Slice the roasted beets into wedges.
- In a bowl, combine the beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and mixed greens.
- For the balsamic glaze, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Value:
According to the USDA FoodData Central, beets are a good source of folate, manganese, and potassium. They are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 43 kcal |
| Folate, total | 109 mcg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.326 mg |
| Potassium | 325 mg |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 4.9 mg |
Summary and Conclusion:
Beets are a fantastic addition to any garden, especially for beginner gardeners. They’re easy to grow, packed with nutrients, and oh-so-delicious. So grab some seeds or seedlings, get your hands a little dirty, and experience the joy of growing your own beets!
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
« Back to Glossary Index