From Soil to Plate: Expert Tips on How to Grow Beets in Alberta You Can’t Miss!

Are you ready to add a splash of vibrant color and sweet, earthy flavor to your Alberta garden? Growing beets is a rewarding experience, and with the right approach, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown beets throughout the summer and even into the fall. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow beets in Alberta, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your bounty.

Choosing the Right Beet Variety for Alberta

The key to successful beet growing in Alberta is selecting varieties that thrive in our unique climate. Look for varieties known for their cold tolerance and quick maturity. Here are a few popular choices:

• Early Wonder: This variety matures quickly, making it ideal for Alberta’s shorter growing season.
• Red Ace: This classic beet variety boasts a deep red color and sweet flavor.
• Golden Beet: This unique variety offers a vibrant golden hue and a slightly milder flavor.
• Chioggia: Also known as the “candy cane beet,” this variety features beautiful alternating red and white rings.

Preparing Your Garden Bed for Beet Success

Beets prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed for optimal growth:

1. Soil Testing: Before planting, test your soil’s pH. Beets prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If your soil is too acidic, you can amend it with lime.
2. Compost and Fertilizer: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into your garden bed to improve soil structure and fertility. You can also add a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to provide essential nutrients.
3. Tilling and Weeding: Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and remove any weeds or debris.

Sowing Beet Seeds: Timing is Key

Beet seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, so starting them indoors can give them a head start.

• Direct Sowing: In Alberta, you can direct sow beet seeds outdoors after the last frost, typically in late May or early June.
• Starting Indoors: If you want an earlier harvest, start beet seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow them in seed trays or pots filled with seed starting mix.
• Spacing: When planting, space beet seeds 1-2 inches apart and thin them to 4-6 inches once they have a few true leaves.

Caring for Your Beet Plants: A Simple Routine

Once your beet seedlings are established, caring for them is relatively straightforward.

• Watering: Beets prefer consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Weeding: Keep weeds at bay to prevent them from competing with your beet plants for nutrients and water.
• Thinning: Thin out seedlings to ensure proper spacing and prevent overcrowding.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your beet plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Your Beet Bounty: Knowing When to Pick

Beets are ready to harvest when they reach the desired size, typically 2-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest them as soon as they are large enough to eat, or you can leave them in the ground for a sweeter flavor.

• Harvesting: Use a sharp knife or garden trowel to gently lift the beets from the ground.
• Storing: Store harvested beets in a cool, dark place for up to a month.

Extending Your Beet Season: Fall Harvesting and Storage

In Alberta, you can extend your beet season by planting a fall crop. Sow seeds in mid-July to early August for a harvest in late September or early October.

• Fall Planting: Choose a variety known for its quick maturity, such as Early Wonder or Red Ace.
• Protection: Protect your fall-planted beets from frost by covering them with row covers or burlap.
• Storage: Harvest your fall beets before the first frost and store them in a cool, dark place.

The Sweet Rewards of Growing Beets in Alberta

Growing your own beets in Alberta is a rewarding experience. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, homegrown vegetables and the delicious taste of beets that are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re adding them to salads, roasting them with herbs, or pickling them for a tangy treat, your homegrown beets will be a delicious addition to your meals.

Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying Your Beet Bounty

Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas for incorporating your homegrown beets into your meals:

• Salads: Slice raw beets into salads for a vibrant color and earthy sweetness.
• Roasting: Roast beets with herbs like rosemary and thyme for a flavorful side dish.
• Pickling: Pickle beets for a tangy and delicious snack or condiment.
• Juicing: Blend beets into smoothies or juices for a healthy and refreshing drink.

What You Need to Learn

Q: When is the best time to plant beets in Alberta?

A: You can direct sow beet seeds outdoors in Alberta after the last frost, typically in late May or early June. If you want an earlier harvest, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Q: How often should I water my beet plants?

A: Beets prefer consistent moisture, so water them deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.

Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect beets?

A: Beets are susceptible to pests like aphids, leafhoppers, and beet leaf miners. Diseases include leaf spot and powdery mildew. You can control pests and diseases by using organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Q: Can I grow beets in containers?

A: Yes, you can grow beets in containers as long as they are at least 12 inches wide and deep. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.

Q: What should I do with my beet greens?

A: Beet greens are edible and delicious! You can cook them like spinach or kale, add them to salads, or use them in soups and stews.