Beets thinned for root growth

Thinning and Spacing Beets for Better Roots

ByStephen Albert

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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 are sown closely together because not all will germinate. Once seedlings sprout, they compete for light, water, and nutrients if left crowded, resulting in:

  • Small, misshapen, or forked roots
  • Reduced overall yield
  • Weaker plants more prone to disease

Thinning means removing excess seedlings to ensure adequate space for remaining plants to thrive.

Beets thinned for root growth
Beets thinned for root growth

When and How to Thin Beets

Timing

Thin seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves, usually 3–4 weeks after planting.

How to Thin

  • Use scissors or pinch seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing roots of nearby plants.
  • Remove the weakest or smallest seedlings first.
  • Don’t pull seedlings roughly, as this can damage roots.

Ideal Spacing for Beets

  • Between plants: Thin to 3–4 inches apart for full-sized roots.
  • Between rows: Space rows 12–18 inches apart.
  • For baby beets: Space plants 1.5–2 inches apart if growing for tender baby roots and greens.

My Experience and Tips

I prefer planting beets in raised beds spaced in 12-inch rows. After thinning to 3–4 inches apart, I monitor plants weekly, removing any that look crowded. This practice has consistently produced larger, sweeter beets with fewer deformities. For container gardens, I thin aggressively to avoid overcrowding in limited space.

If you want a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2–3 weeks and thin each batch promptly for the best results.

Beets Growing Hub

Start here: Ultimate Guide to Growing Beets from Seed to Harvest

1. Getting Started (Timing, Planting, Varieties)

2. Growing & Care

3. Problems & Troubleshooting

4. Harvest, Storage & Kitchen Use

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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