Root Vegetables

Harvesting beets at the right time is key to enjoying their sweet, tender roots and flavorful greens. Knowing when and how to pick beets will ensure you get the best taste and texture for cooking, roasting, or fresh eating. When to Harvest Beets Size Matters Look at the Tops Check the Calendar How to Harvest…

Few things are more frustrating than seeing beet seedlings grow but fail to develop healthy roots. After 30+ years of vegetable gardening in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve encountered—and solved—most of the common problems that cause beets to struggle with root formation. Common Reasons Beets Don’t Form Roots 1. Crowded or Unthinned Seedlings…

Proper thinning and spacing are essential steps for growing healthy, tender beets with smooth, well-formed roots. In my 30+ years of gardening experience in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve found that giving beet seedlings enough room early on makes a big difference in yield and flavor. Why Thinning and Spacing Matter Beet seeds…

Companion planting is a time-tested gardening method that pairs crops to improve growth, deter pests, and boost flavor. After more than 30 years of gardening in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how the right plant neighbors can make a noticeable difference in beet harvests. Why Companion Planting Matters for Beets Beets…

Fertilizing beets correctly is all about balance. Give them too much nitrogen, and you’ll get lush greens but small roots. Too little nutrition, and both the roots and leaves will suffer. In my 30+ years of gardening in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve fine-tuned a fertilizing approach that consistently produces sweet, plump roots…

Water is one of the most important factors in growing sweet, tender beets. Too little moisture and roots become woody; too much and they can rot. In my 30+ years of growing vegetables in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that steady, even watering is the key to a healthy beet crop. General…