After Planting Keep the beet plants free of weeds which use nutrients and moisture. Scratch the soil next to the plants with a rake or hand tool to prevent crusting. Do not work the soil more than 1 inch deep or the root systems may be injured. Water the plants well weekly if it does not rain. Begin thinning the beets as soon as they get crowded in the row.
Young tops make excellent greens.
After thinning, the plants should be 2 to 3 inches apart. Scatter 1 tablespoon of fertilizer for each 10 feet of row beside the plants when they are 4 to 6 inches tall. Always follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases Diseases on beets are most severe in cloudy, damp weather. Check plants daily and treat with an approved fungicide if diseases appear.