University of Kentucky -- College of Agriculture -- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

BEETS

Beta vulgaris

SOIL:

• The RAFT system uses a commercial growing medium that allows the water to be wicked up through the bottom of the pot from the mat. There is no need for plowing, tilling, or soil amendments. There is no need for repeated tilling to loosen the soil to improve aeration. The soilless mix allows for good air movement even though the mix is constantly moist.
• Standard Field Practice: Beets like a sandy or calcareous loam soil. Soils with too much clay can cause the roots to turn dry and soils that are very wet causes the beet to become tasteless.

SEED: 1,000 - 2500 per/oz

GERMINATION:

• The RAFT system allows the seed to stay constantly moist, not water logged, and not dry out during the germination process. This should improve germination rates. I found that most seed germinated with earlier germination times.
• Standard Field Practice: 7-14 days. Best at 50 - 85 degrees F. Seed can also germinate as low as 40 degrees F.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

• The RAFT system allowed the plants to grow continuously and uninterrupted. Since the RAFT system provides constant water, most plants matured within the expected range of time. "Leafy" vegetables showed signs of maturing at the earlier maturing dates. In shallow containers, beet and turnip roots did not mature normally, however, the green tops of the plants were ready to harvest within the "days of maturity" range. In deeper containers, swollen roots did develop normally.
• 60 days to maturity.

SPACE:

• The RAFT system allows you to seed directly into the containers or transplant. There is no need to thin for desired spacing unless you sow the seed too thickly. This results in less seed use. Individual pots of soilless mix allow plants to be spaced at any desired distance. At any time during the growing period, the pots can be re-arranged for more or less space if desired. The RAFT system is well adapted to "square foot gardening". Plants can be placed on the raft in such a way that all of the growing surface is used. Every available square foot is occupied. The RAFT system eliminates the need for walking paths in the growing area. Each plant receives only the amount of space needed for its growth - resulting in more plants per square foot.
• Standard Field Practice: Seed in rows every 3". Thinning is not necessary if seeded at this spacing.

FERTILIZER & pH:

• The RAFT system allows a soluble fertilizer to be placed in the water so there is a constant supply of nutrients to the plants. The fertilizer concentrations can be monitored and added when needed. Micronutrients also can be added to the water. We maintained fertilizer levels of 80 to 100 ppm nitrogen with Scotts' CalMag 15-5-15 fertilizer.
• Standard Field Practice: pH 6.0 - 6.8. A 10-20-20 fertilizer garden fetilizer is recommended. Beets will develop internal "blackspot" if the soil is deficient in boron.

WATER:

• The RAFT system allows the plant to have a constant supply of water. Yet, the growing medium is not soggy. To keep the water level at a uniform depth, a float valve can be attached to the float beds to fill from a storage tank or hooked directly to a water line.
• Standard Field Practice: Too much water can cause the beet to be tasteless. Plants should not be allowed to dry out.

DISEASES: Scab results from lack of water, Cercospora leaf spot.

INSECTS: Aphids, flea beetles, leaf miners.

WEEDS:

• The RAFT system has no need for chemical weed control. The growing medium is usually weed free. If weeds appear in the pots, they are easily removed by hand.
• Standard Field Practice: Chemical control, mechanical cultivation, hand pulling. In the field there is a constant battle with weeds due to an infinite supply of weed seed in the ground that is constantly germinating.

More information:

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
• Ohio State University Extension Service