Beets do best in sandy soil in the spring and heavier soil in the fall because sandy soil warms faster than heavy clay soil. Clear the planting area of rocks, trash and large sticks. Mix fine pieces of plant material such as grass, leaves and small sticks into the soil to enrich it. Spade the soil 8 to 10 inches deep. If the garden soil has a lot of clay, add compost.
Beets are sensitive to soils deficient in boron.
Have your soil tested or ask your county Extension agent about boron deficiencies in your area. Planting Beets can be grown all winter in many South Texas areas. Farther north they should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Soil temperature must be at least 40 o F for beet seeds to sprout. Each beet seed produces 2 to 6 plants.