How to Grow Beetroot
Beetroots are one of the most rewarding vegetables you can grow in your raised garden. These vibrant, ruby-red gems aren’t just eye-catching in salads or soups. They’re also surprisingly easy to grow. Nearly every gardener using Vegega metal raised garden beds uses a corner of the bed to grow the flavor beets. Trust us, a few beet plants will turn your garden into a living palette of deep purples and reds. Ready to start your beet-growing adventure?
When to Plant Beetroot
Beetroots are hardy crops that adapt well to diverse climates, thriving everywhere from Alaska’s short summers to Florida’s mild winters. Here’s a quick guide for U.S. growers:
- USDA Zones 3-5 (Minnesota, Maine): Wait until soil temps hit 50°F (usually late April to mid-May).
- Zones 6-7 (Missouri, Virginia): Plant in early spring (after soil thaws) or start seeds indoors with seed starting trays. For fall harvests, sow in late August to early September.
- Zones 8-10 (Texas, California): Grow beets from September to February, avoiding summer’s scorching heat.
How to Plant Beetroot
Start by soaking seeds in 80-85°F water for 6 hours to soften their tough shells. For best results, use raised garden beds to grow the seedlings. Their depth gives beetroots ample room to grow downward while reducing rot risks. Raised beds are perfect for growing beets because, as a root vegetable, they have specific space requirements. Our 17-inch tall raised beds provide ample depth for beetroots to develop fully while significantly reducing the risk of root rot - a common problem in poorly drained soil.
Create ½-inch deep furrows in loose, well-prepared soil. Place seed clusters every 4 inches along the row, then cover lightly and firm the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Maintaining consistent moisture during germination is crucial - we recommend covering the seeded area with burlap. This simple technique helps retain moisture while protecting tender seedlings from heavy rain damage.
17'' Tall 8x2 Metal Raised Garden Beds (9 in 1)【Upgrade 2.0】
Our metal planter boxes are designed for aesthetics and durability, and they are the most popular planters among all Vegega metal planters. The 17" tall 8x2 planter box provides ample space for growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, while its rust-resistant coating ensures years of reliable use in any weather.
Why Choose Vegega Metal Planter Boxes?
Our metal planters are coated with a non-toxic, food-safe material, making them perfect for edible gardens. Only you try it, you love it.
1. Durable Planter Boxes for Year-Round Gardening
Unlike traditional wooden or plastic planters that crack, warp, or fade over time, our metal planter boxes are built to last. Especially, made from 0.6mm Zn-Al-Mg steel, they resist rust, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions. Whether you’re gardening in a rainy climate or under the scorching sun, these planters maintain their strength and appearance for years.
2. Deep Soil Space for Healthier Plants
With a 17-inch height, these raised beds provide ample room for deep-rooted plants like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers to flourish. Additionally, the extra depth helps improve soil drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthier root systems.
3. Easy to Assemble
Setting up a successful garden should be simple and stress-free. So, that’s why our metal planter boxes come with pre-drilled holes and interlocking panels, allowing you to assemble them in minutes—no tools required. Plus, the modular design makes it easy to expand your garden setup in the future.
4. Versatile Design for Any Space
Whether you’re working with a small balcony, a spacious backyard, or a patio, these 8x2 raised garden beds adapt effortlessly. Use them to grow vegetables, create a flower garden, or even as stylish dividers for outdoor spaces. Their sleek, modern design complements any landscape while maximizing your growing area.
5. Eco-Friendly and Low Maintenance
By choosing Vegega metal planter boxes, you’re investing in a sustainable gardening solution. The Zn-Al-Mg steel is 100% recyclable, and the rust-resistant coating ensures minimal upkeep. Simply set up your planter, fill it with soil, and start growing—no need for constant repairs or replacements.
Metal Planter Boxes Specifications
- Material: 0.6mm Zn-Al-Mg steel
- Dimensions: 17"H x 8 ft. L x 2 ft. W
- Weight Capacity: holds up to 1,200 lbs of soil
- Color: white, green, blue, orange, and gray
- Warranty: 20-year limited warranty against rust and corrosion
Perfect for Growing:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, and more
- Flowers: Roses, sunflowers, petunias, and other blooming plants
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and other kitchen essentials
- Small Trees: Dwarf citrus, olive trees, or decorative shrubs
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, our 17" Tall 8x2 Metal Planter Boxes provide the perfect foundation for a thriving, beautiful garden. Order now and experience the Vegega difference!
Spacing Tips
Proper spacing is crucial for growing high-quality beetroots, with traditional in-ground planting requiring 12-18 inches between rows and 3-4 inches between plants, while raised bed cultivation allows for more intensive planting with just 8-10 inches between rows while maintaining the same 3-4 inch plant spacing, thanks to the improved soil conditions and drainage that promote healthier root development.
Key Care Tips of Growing Beetroots
- Water seedlings with ¼ gallon daily—avoid drenching the soil surface.
- At 50 days, feed with diluted seaweed fertilizer to boost root growth.
- Trim older leaves when 80% of the bed is shaded to improve airflow.
Beetroot Companion Plants
Pair your beets with these allies:
- Leaf lettuce: Broad leaves shade soil, keeping it 5-8°F cooler.
- Chives: Their sulfur compounds repel leaf miners (cuts infestations by 60%).
- Nasturtiums: Lure aphids away from beets—just remove infested leaves weekly.
Avoid planting near:
- Beans/peas (they hog nitrogen, stunting beetroots).
- Mustard family plants (release growth-inhibiting chemicals).
Growing Beets in Containers
Beetroots love sun, so remember to place your planters in full sunlight. For container success:
- Use raised beds at least 17 inches deep with 2 inches of gravel at the bottom for drainage.
- Mix soil with 3 parts coconut coir + 2 parts compost + 1 part perlite. Add 1 cup wood ash per cubic foot to balance pH.
Try filling methods like hugelkultur (layered organic matter) or lasagna gardening (check our guide: Lasagna Garden Bed vs. Hugelkultur Garden Bed: Which One Is Better for Your Garden?)
Choosing the Right Beetroot Variety
For Northern Cold Zones (USDA 3-5)
In states like Minnesota and Wisconsin with short, cool growing seasons, 'Early Wonder' is the top pick. Gardeners in these areas might also consider 'Red Ace', a variety that surprised researchers with its frost tolerance during Alaskan trials, surviving brief dips to 24°F while still producing quality roots.
Mid-Temperate Regions (USDA 6-7)
Stretching from Missouri to Virginia, 'Detroit Dark Red' has proven its reliability season after season. The improved 'Detroit Supreme' now offers even better performance, holding up well through Tennessee Valley's summer heat waves. Those wanting something different should try golden 'Golden Detroit' - its 15% higher sugar content makes it exceptional for roasting and pickling.
Southern Warm Climates (USDA 8-10)
Texas and Florida growers will appreciate 'Bull's Blood' - this dual-purpose variety keeps producing tender, deep-purple leaves even when temperatures soar, while developing respectable roots at 85°F. Arizona's desert conditions bring out the best in 'Chioggia', with its striking concentric rings becoming particularly vivid. Pro tip for Gulf Coast gardeners: 'Crosby's Egyptian' is your best defense against root rot during the rainy season.
Can I Plant Beetroot Next to Parsnips?
Not a good idea. Both have deep roots that compete for space and nutrients. Worse, parsnips release compounds that stunt beet growth (studies show 42% more deformed beets in mixed beds!). If you must plant them together, you may want to take these steps:
- Maintain a 3-foot buffer zone between crops.
- Plant Swiss chard as a living barrier—its shallow roots won't interfere.
Pro tip: Our special shape raised beds (U-shaped, castle-style, tiered, etc.) create natural dividers that keep incompatible plants separated while maximizing every square inch. The unique compartments allow you to grow "enemy crops" in the same bed without the usual drawbacks—just smart garden design working for you. These special shaped raised beds work particularly well for keeping competitive root vegetables partitioned while adding whimsy to your garden layout.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in snowy Minnesota or sunny Florida, there’s a beetroot variety and planting strategy for you. Grab your seeds, set up your raised bed, and let those ruby roots work their magic! Got a favorite beet variety or a growing hack? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re painting your garden red (or gold, or striped!).
