Garden beet is closely related to Swiss chard, sugar beets and mangels. Although beets grow well during warm weather, establishing the seedlings under cool, moist conditions is easier. Irrigation assures germination and establishment of the later plantings. Several seedlings grow from each seed. Allow 12 to 18 inches between rows.
Poor stands are often the result of planting too deep or the crusting of heavy soil after a rain.
The seedlings may emerge over a long period, making a stand of different sizes and ages of seedlings. Hand thinning is usually necessary. Thin the seedlings to 2 to 3 inches apart. If thinning is delayed until the plants are 3 inches high, those removed may be cooked as greens similar to spinach. Care Frequent shallow cultivation is important because beets compete poorly with weeds.