Beets are cool-season workhorses — roots, greens, and succession schedule all in one plant. Sow every two weeks from March through August. Each beet 'seed' is actually a dried fruit cluster containing 2–3 seeds; thin to one seedling per cluster at 3 inches. The greens are edible at any stage; roots reach full size in 50–70 days. Fall-harvested beets are sweeter than spring ones — cold converts starches to sugar.
Damping Off
Seedlings collapse at the soil line with thin, water-soaked stems; seeds may fail to emerge or rot before sprouting.
Sow in well-draining mix, avoid overwatering, and ensure good airflow. Remove affected seedlings and let the surface dry between waterings.
Downy mildew
Yellowing on top of leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath. Spreads rapidly in humid conditions.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Copper spray as preventive.
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Small round spots with tan or gray centers and reddish-purple borders on leaves. Spots merge in severe cases, causing leaves to brown and die back.
Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Space plants for airflow and rotate crops. Apply a copper-based fungicide if the infection spreads.