Why Your Beets Aren’t Growing or Growing Too Slowly

Have you been trying to grow some beets in the backyard but haven’t had much success? Here are the most common reasons why people have difficulty growing this vegetable despite beets being a relatively easy plant to grow. Take action now to salvage your beet plants.

Beets are Winter Vegetable Crops

Beets are one of several vegetables known for being winter crops. Other popular winter vegetables include carrots, spinach, and arugula. So what exactly does winter crop mean? Generally speaking, it means these plants grow best in cool temperatures.

Some gardeners, however, make the mistake that winter crop means they can be grown anytime during winter, regardless of location. This isn’t the case. You need to make sure the soil and air temperature matches the optimal growth conditions for the beet plant (between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit). For someone living further south, this might mean you will need to plant later in the winter season.

The Soil is Too Acidic

Your beet plants might not be growing because the soil is too acidic. Beet plants generally prefer a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Soil acidity or alkalinity can affect plant growth. If it’s too much on one side of the spectrum, the plant may struggle to absorb the nutrients and minerals in the soil.

Test the soil where the beets are being grown. If you find that it is too acidic then there are a couple of ways to neutralize the soil pH. One way is to add limestone to the soil mix.

Pests are Eating the Beets

Your beet plants might not be growing because they never had a chance to grow to begin with! There are many garden pests that enjoy feasting on beet plants, such as flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage loppers. Some of these pests will eat the beet seedlings, while others will eat the leaves.

Since you are most likely going to eat the beets once they are ready to harvest, it will be important to use natural remedies to ensure the vegetables don’t get laced with harmful toxins. There are several pest control remedies you can use, although the method you select will depend on the type of pest you are eradicating.