Planting beets for seedlings according to the lunar calendar: favorable days for 2021

It's impossible to imagine a garden without beets—the root vegetable is easy to grow and contains many nutrients. Beets are grown in several ways, but in most regions of Russia, seedlings are used to ensure they have time to ripen. When to plant beets for seedlings in 2021 according to the lunar calendar: the most favorable days for sowing depending on the region and variety.

Choosing the time for planting

In the southern regions and the central zone, the root vegetable is grown without seedlings. The mild climate allows for seeds to be planted directly in open ground prepared in the fall, at the end of April, when the temperature reaches +10°C (50°F). The first shoots appear within 7-10 days.

In harsh conditions, the crop only matures when grown from seedlings. In the Moscow region, the Urals, and Siberia, beet seed sowing begins in late spring. Only early- and mid-season varieties are used, and the seedlings are transplanted closer to summer, with cover material on hand in case frost returns.

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Beet variety also influences planting timing—they have different ripening rates and shelf life. Of the many cultivated varieties, three are primarily grown, each with specific characteristics.

Table: Best Beet Varieties

Early-ripening beets take 80-110 days from sprouting to harvesting, while mid-season varieties take 110-130 days. Late-ripening varieties mature in 130-145 days, which is why they are grown primarily in the South.

In the fall, the beet plot is cleared of debris and weeds and dug, while simultaneously adding organic matter and minerals. The seeds must first be germinated and then planted in open ground, 3-4 cm deep. The distance between seedlings should be at least 8 cm, and the rows should be spaced 15 cm apart. The seeds are then covered with soil mixed with organic matter and sand, and watered thoroughly.

The air temperature should not drop below 0°C (32°F) for 24 hours. To protect the beets from frost, the beds are covered with plastic film, a layer of polyethylene mulch, or snow. In the spring, the cover is removed and the soil surface is loosened. To ensure large root crops, weak sprouts are pulled out.

Winter beet varieties (Podzimnyaya, Polarnaya splosnutaya, Detroit, Red Ball, Khladostoykaya, Gaspadynya) are frost- and disease-resistant and resistant to bolting. However, these root vegetables don't have a long shelf life—they should be consumed soon after harvest.

Many gardeners try to work their gardens according to the phases of the moon. Working during the new and full moons, as well as within 12 hours before and after these dates, will negatively impact plants—beet gardening is not recommended during these periods.

Table: Favorable days for working with beets in 2021

To ensure strong seedlings, it's best to plant seeds during the waning moon, on favorable days for beets, as this phase favors root crops. Beneficial signs: Libra, Cancer, Aries, and Taurus.

Growing and care

The plant prefers loose, neutral soil. For seedlings, you can use store-bought soil or prepare a mixture of humus, peat, turf, and sand in a ratio of 4:2:2:1. Mix the resulting soil with wood ash at a rate of 1 cup per 10 liters of the mixture, then steam it for 60 minutes or treat it with a fungicide to disinfect. Store-bought soil does not need to be treated.

The seeds should also be treated with an antifungal agent to prevent disease. It's a good idea to soak the seeds in a growth stimulant solution for several hours.

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Landing

Beets can be planted in communal containers or individual cups. Fill the containers with prepared soil and plant the pre-treated seeds 30 mm apart, covering them with at least a 10 mm layer of soil. Then, level the seedlings and water them with warm water. Cover the containers with plastic or glass to create a greenhouse effect and leave them at 18-20°C for germination.

Once the sprouts emerge, the containers are moved to a room with a temperature of 14-16°C (57-61°F) to harden the young plants and prevent them from becoming leggy. Water the young plants as the top layer of soil dries out, and fertilize them with a nitrogen-containing fertilizer every 10-14 days.

Picking

Beet transplantation is possible only after the cotyledon leaves have emerged. Water the plants generously to avoid damaging the root system during transplanting. Add new soil, watered with nitroammophoska, to a larger container and transfer the beets, soil-filled. Plants tend to stretch toward sunlight, so 5-7 days after transplanting, it's recommended to move them from the warm indoor environment to a cool greenhouse, keeping them out of direct sunlight for the first 7-10 days.

If the crop is planted in individual containers, replanting is not necessary. However, multiple stems emerge from a single seed, so thinning them out will be necessary.

Landing on the site

As soon as the seedlings develop two true leaves, they can be transplanted into raised beds. This is usually done in mid-May to early June, on favorable lunar planting days. However, the ambient daytime temperature should be around 10°C (50°F).

The beds should be located in a sunny spot. In the fall, the soil should be enriched with organic matter and minerals. Crop rotation is also important: beets grow well after:

• potatoes;
• cucumbers;
• pumpkins;
• herbs and spices;
• green manure.

The seedlings are transferred to the dug soil along with the root ball, deepening them by 4-5 cm to avoid damaging the root system. The distance between plants should be at least 10 cm, and the distance between furrows should be at least 20 cm. After planting, beets should be watered daily until the plants are fully established. Afterward, watering frequency should be reduced to a minimum, as overwatering can promote scab.

The soil should be regularly weeded and loosened to improve aeration. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should not be applied, as they accumulate as nitrates during root formation. Plants require boron and iodized salt to increase mass and sweetness.

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Table: Common mistakes when growing beets

To get a bountiful, healthy beet harvest, you need to choose the right variety and planting method. A good growing location and timely care are essential for the seedlings to thrive, grow, and develop at a healthy pace.