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Beets (Beta vulgaris) are a biennial plant typically grown as an annual. A member of the goosefoot family, this vegetable is dual purpose since both the root and greens can be eaten. Although many do not eat the greens, they are very nutritious and rich in vitamins.

The Greeks are responsible for giving the plant its genus (Beta) and in ancient times, beets were used mainly as a remedy for a variety of ailments. As far back as the 1800s, beets were considered a "poor man's food" and were brought to the Americas by early colonists. By the time the Civil War began, beets were a common staple at the dinner table, as food for livestock, and for exacting the sugar.

Beets are widely adaptable to most gardening zones however; in warmer regions, beets should be grown as a spring or harvest crop. There are a wide variety of beets available today to choose from. Some are small and round while others have a cylindrical shape. Globe-shaped varieties fare better in heavy and/or rocky soil.

Some varieties are better if the greens are to be harvested also. The colors of beets also range from the common reddish-purple to shades of golden yellow. Gardeners will need to decide which cultivar will work best for their region. For warm regions or Zones 8 and warmer, a quick maturing beet will probably be best suitable.

Beets grow best in cool weather but will also tolerate partial shade in hotter zones. The soil should be plowed deeply and free of debris and rocks. While the roots can tolerate colder temperatures, the greens cannot. Beet plants will flourish in a nutrient-rich soil that has a pH of 6.5 or above. Small root production can be a sign of high nitrogen levels in the soil. Dressing with wood ash and/or organic matter can correct other growing problems like elongated roots or browning.

Beets can be planted directly into the ground or started indoors. Begin seeds outdoors about two weeks prior to the last frost or in southern regions, beets can be planted as a fall crop. Seeds will germinate better when the seeds are soaked overnight in tepid water. Plant the beet seeds about one inch deep and approximately two inches apart. Each seed contains several seeds within and can produce several plants. However, beets are notorious for spotty germination so they still need planted about two inches apart.

Beets germinate fairly quickly. Once plants are established or when they are about two inches high, thin the beets to about four inches apart or for larger beets, thin to about

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