Growing Beets: Finding the Best Planting Companions

Oleh Anonymous January 23, 2023 Post a Comment

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Growing beets is a great way to add color and nutrition to your garden. However, planting them alone can leave your plot looking sparse. Luckily, there are many plants that make great companions for beets. In this article, weâ€™ll explore some of the best options for maximizing the health and vitality of your beet plants.

Beets Planting Companions

When it comes to companion planting, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want to choose plants that will not compete with your beets for nutrients or water. Additionally, you want to select plants that will attract beneficial insects and deter pests. Here are some top choices for beets planting companions:

1. Carrots

Carrots make a fantastic companion plant for beets because they have similar soil requirements and grow well together. They also attract beneficial insects like lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests that can damage your beet plants. You can plant carrots and beets side by side in rows or interplant them for a more varied appearance.

How to Plant Carrots and Beets Together

To plant carrots and beets together, prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of at least six inches. Make sure to remove any rocks or debris that could interfere with root growth. Next, create furrows in the soil that are about one inch deep and six inches apart. Plant your beet seeds in the furrows, spacing them about two inches apart. Then, sprinkle carrot seeds over the same area, spacing them about one inch apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently.

2. Chard

Chard is another great companion plant for beets because it has similar soil requirements and is a member of the same family (Amaranthaceae). They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids and other pests that can damage your crops. You can interplant chard and beets or grow them side by side in rows for a visually interesting garden bed.

How to Plant Chard and Beets Together

To plant chard and beets together, prepare your garden bed as described above. Create furrows in the soil that are about one inch deep and six inches apart. Plant your beet seeds in the furrows, spacing them about two inches apart. Then, plant chard seedlings in between the beet plants, spacing them about six inches apart. Cover the seeds and seedlings with soil and water gently.

3. Radishes

Radishes are a great choice for companion planting with beets because they grow quickly and help break up the soil. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which eat aphids and other pests that can harm your beets. You can interplant radishes and beets or grow them side by side in rows.

How to Plant Radishes and Beets Together

To plant radishes and beets together, prepare your garden bed as described above. Create furrows in the soil that are about one inch deep and six inches apart. Plant your beet seeds in the furrows, spacing them about two inches apart. Then, sprinkle radish seeds over the same area, spacing them about one inch apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce makes a great companion plant for beets because it grows quickly and is shallow-rooted, which means it won't compete with your beets for nutrients or water. Additionally, lettuce attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids and other pests that can damage your beet plants. You can interplant lettuce and beets or grow them side by side in rows.

How to Plant Lettuce and Beets Together

To plant lettuce and beets together, prepare your garden bed as described above. Create furrows in the soil that are about one inch deep and six inches apart. Plant your beet seeds in the furrows, spacing them about two inches apart. Then, plant lettuce seedlings in between the beet plants, spacing them about six inches apart. Cover the seeds and seedlings with soil and water gently.

5. Beans

Beans are another great choice for companion planting with beets because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit your beet plants. They also attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help pollinate your crops. You can interplant beans and beets or grow them side by side in rows.

How to Plant Beans and Beets Together

To plant beans and beets together, prepare your garden bed as described above. Create furrows in the soil that are about one inch deep and six inches apart. Plant your beet seeds in the furrows, spacing them about two inches apart. Then, plant bean seeds in between the beet plants, spacing them about six inches apart. Make sure to provide support for your bean plants as they grow. Cover the seeds and seedlings with soil and water gently.

In there are many plants that make great companions for beets. By choosing the right combination of plants, you can maximize the health and vitality of your garden while also creating a visually interesting plot. Remember to consider factors like soil requirements, insect attraction, and competition for nutrients when selecting your planting companions.

FAQs

1. Can I plant beets with tomatoes?

No, it's not recommended to plant beets with tomatoes because they have different soil requirements and can compete for nutrients.

2. Are there any plants that should not be planted with beets?

Yes, you should avoid planting beets with plants from the Brassica family (like cabbage or broccoli) because they can attract pests that harm both crops.