How to Grow Beets in Containers Like a Pro

Growing beets in containers not only saves space but also offers a rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Whether you have a small balcony, a tiny patio, or even just a sunny windowsill, you can enjoy the pleasures of homegrown beets. Let’s explore the step-by-step process of how to grow beets in containers, backed by examples and expert advice.

Before we dive into the details, let’s understand why growing beets in containers is an excellent choice. Container gardening allows you to overcome space constraints, making it accessible for urban dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. Additionally, it provides better control over soil quality, drainage, and sunlight exposure, ensuring optimal growth conditions for your beets. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, organic beets right from your container garden.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of cultivating one of the healthiest and most versatile vegetables in containers – beets.

The first step in successfully growing beets in containers is selecting the suitable container. Opt for pots or containers that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the beet’s long taproot. Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The suitable containers for beets include:

Large Plastic Pots:

• Use: Plastic pots are lightweight, durable, and come in various sizes and shapes.
• Plants: Flowers like geraniums, petunias, or marigolds; herbs like basil, mint, or parsley; small shrubs like hydrangeas or dwarf varieties of roses.

Wooden Boxes:

• Use: Wooden boxes provide a rustic look and can be customized in size and design.
• Plants: Herbs and edible plants like tomatoes, lettuce, or peppers; decorative plants like succulents or ornamental grasses; small flowering plants like pansies or begonias.

Ceramic Planters:

• Use: Ceramic planters are decorative and come in various colors and designs, adding aesthetic appeal to your garden.
• Plants: Ornamental plants like orchids, ferns, or snake plants; flowering plants like orchids or peace lilies; succulents and cacti.

Beets come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a delightful range of options for your container garden. The best beet varieties suitable for container gardening include:

Detroit Dark Red:

Detroit Dark Red beets are classic, globe-shaped beets with deep red flesh and a sweet, tender flavor. This variety adapts well to container gardening due to its compact size and can thrive in pots or deep containers. If you prefer traditional, sweet beets, Detroit Dark Red is an excellent choice.

Boltardy:

Boltardy beets are known for their resistance to bolting (going to seed prematurely) and have smooth skin with dark red flesh. Boltardy beets are suitable for containers, especially if you are dealing with limited space, as they don’t take up much room. If you want a reliable beet variety that is less likely to bolt, Boltardy is a good option.

Chioggia (Candy Cane Beets):

Chioggia beets are visually striking with red and white rings inside, resembling a candy cane. They have a mild, sweet flavor. Chioggia beets can be grown in containers, adding a colorful and unique touch to your garden. If you enjoy experimenting with visually appealing and mildly flavored beets, Chioggia is a fun choice.

The foundation of successful container gardening lies in the quality of the soil. Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. The best potting mix for beet include:

Basic Potting Mix:

• Garden Soil: Provides a base for the mix. Ensure it’s well-draining and free from pests and diseases.
• Compost: Adds nutrients to the soil and improves its structure. Compost also helps retain moisture without causing waterlogging.
• Perlite: Increases drainage and aeration. Perlite is a lightweight, volcanic mineral that prevents compaction of the soil, allowing roots to breathe.

Enhancing Drainage:

• Gravel or Broken Clay Pots: Placing a layer of gravel or broken clay pots at the bottom of the container can create a reservoir for excess water, preventing water accumulation at the bottom of the pot. This layer allows excess water to move away from the roots, reducing the risk of root diseases due to waterlogging.
• Sand: Mixing coarse sand into the potting mix can further enhance drainage, especially for plants that require excellent drainage, such as cacti and succulents.
• Mulch: After planting, applying a layer of organic mulch on top of the soil surface can help retain moisture while allowing excess water to evaporate. Mulch also acts as a barrier, preventing soil compaction and erosion.

Now that you have the right container, beet variety, and soil mix, it’s time to plant your beets. Sow beet seeds directly into the container, following the guidelines on the seed packet. Plant the seeds about 1 inch apart and ½ inch deep. The important planting tips include ensuring proper spacing between seeds to allow adequate room for growth and avoiding overcrowding, which can lead to stunted beets.

• Reason: Adequate space between seeds allows each plant to access sufficient nutrients, sunlight, and water. When plants are overcrowded, they have to compete for these essential resources, leading to stunted growth and smaller yields.
• Guideline: Follow the recommendations on the seed packet for the specific plant variety you’re growing. Different plants have different spacing requirements. For beets, planting seeds about 1 inch apart in rows is a common guideline.

Beets thrive in full sunlight, so place your containers in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sunny balconies, patios, and windowsills are excellent spots for growing beet plants, especially because beets typically require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Additionally, consistent and proper watering is key to their healthy growth.

Suitable Growing Spots:

• Sunny Balconies, Patios, or Windowsills: Beets need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Placing your containers in sunny spots ensures they receive adequate sunlight for optimal growth.

Consistent Watering:

• Importance: Beets require consistent moisture, especially during the germination and root development stages. Inconsistent watering can lead to irregular growth and deformed roots.
• Guideline: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture level regularly by feeling the top inch of the soil. Water when it feels dry to the touch, ensuring the water penetrates the root zone.

Proper Watering Techniques:

• Use of a Watering Can with a Gentle Shower Nozzle: Using a watering can with a gentle shower nozzle helps in providing a soft and even flow of water.
• Preventing Soil Erosion and Seedling Damage: A gentle flow of water prevents soil erosion and avoids damaging delicate seedlings. Water at the base of the plants to ensure water reaches the roots where it’s needed most.

As your beet seedlings grow, thin them out to maintain proper spacing. Thinning is essential to ensure each beet plant has enough space to develop a robust root system. Best thinning techniques include gently removing excess seedlings, and leaving behind the strongest and healthiest plants. Regularly inspect your beet plants for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids or powdery mildew, and address them promptly using organic pest control methods.

To support healthy growth, consider feeding your container-grown beets with a balanced fertilizer. The best suitable fertilizers include organic options like compost tea or well-rotted manure. Be mindful of the specific fertilizer requirements of the beet variety you are growing. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage but underdeveloped roots.

The excitement of container gardening culminates in the harvest. Beets are typically ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Signs that your beets are ready for harvest include the emergence of the beet shoulders above the soil line. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the beet and pull it out, taking care not to damage the root. Examples of harvesting tips include harvesting beets when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture.

Now that you have successfully grown beets in containers, it’s time to reap the culinary rewards. Beets are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. Examples of creative culinary uses for your homegrown beets include salads, soups, smoothies, and even desserts. Experiment with beetroot recipes to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and nutritional benefits this vibrant vegetable offers.

Container gardening opens up a world of possibilities for growing your favorite vegetables, including beets. By following the steps outlined in this guide and learning from the examples provided, you can successfully grow beets in containers, regardless of your gardening experience or available space. Embrace the joys of nurturing your beet plants from seeds to harvest, and savor the delicious rewards in your culinary creations.

Growing beets in containers is a fulfilling and rewarding experience that brings the freshness of the garden to even the smallest of spaces. With the right container, soil, sunlight, and care, you can transform your limited outdoor area into a thriving beet garden. So, whether you’re a beginner exploring the wonders of gardening or a seasoned enthusiast seeking new challenges, start your container gardening journey today and enjoy the bountiful harvest of homegrown beets.