Beets
Beets can be planted successively a few weeks apart in the fall, winter and spring. In warm areas of the country, beets should be planted at least 2 months before average daytime temperatures reach 80 degrees. Hot dry weather lowers the sugar content and toughens the root. Beets are usually seeded directly in the garden, however, they can be grown as transplants and set out in the garden at the two-leaf stage. Use a long dibble (pointed stick) so the taproot is not crimped in the hole. The multiple seed ball contains from one to eight seeds from which the clumps of seedlings sprout. Seeds germinate in from 4 -10 days at 45 -70 °F. soil temperature.
For more uniform germination, soak seed in water overnight. Plant ¼ to ½ inch deep with a foot between rows on raised beds or rows 20 inches apart on the flat. In one to two weeks the seedlings should emerge. At 3 inches tall, start thinning the clumps of seedlings to 4 inches apart and start harvesting when the beets are 1½ - 2 inches is diameter. Water every 5 days in winter if it doesn't rain. Be sure to keep weeds pulled. Deep cultivation should not be done as the side roots are near the surface. The beet root needs the same friable soil that any expanding underground root would need. Pre-plant fertilizing should be with a high phosphate and lower nitrogen formula (5 - 10 - 5) or ( 16 - 20 - 0) if you used sawdust or wood-based amendments recently.