Planting is done when the ground can be worked. The suggested planting time is the first part of April but beets can be planted at 2 week intervals from late March to mid-April. 1 inch apart in rows 18 inches apart. Six inch plants are thinned to 3 inch spacings with thinnings used as greens. Best seed germination occurs with a soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees.
Rapid growth is essential for high quality beets.
Give the plants a good soaking once a week and keep weeds controlled. A 2 inch mulch can be applied after thinning. Root size is a matter of personal preference. The tops are used for greens. Twist off the tops rather than cutting, to reduce the amount of bleeding.