{"product_id":"beet-chioggia","title":"Beet, Chioggia","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow to Sow and Plant\u003cbr\u003eSow beet seeds in well-worked, well-drained soil in full sun after danger of frost in spring. In frost free areas, sow in fall.\u003cbr\u003eBeets are sensitive to acidic soils and prefer a pH of 6.0 – 7.0. If your soil is more acidic, add Garden Lime as directed on the bag.\u003cbr\u003eSow thinly in rows 12 inches apart and cover with ½ inches of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.\u003cbr\u003eSeedlings emerge in 14-21 days.\u003cbr\u003eThin to stand about 3\" apart when seedlings are 1-2\" tall. Note that beet seeds are actually clusters of seeds and require more thinning than other crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Grow\u003cbr\u003eKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.\u003cbr\u003eKeep plants well watered during dry periods to promote uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.\u003cbr\u003eMonitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips\u003cbr\u003ePick the greens when they are 4-6 inches long and the roots are less than 2 inches in diameter.\u003cbr\u003eHarvest roots at 1 inch for baby beets, up to 3 inches for mature beets.\u003cbr\u003eStore fall-harvested beets at 33-35°F at 95% humidity.\u003cbr\u003eCook beet greens like spinach.\u003cbr\u003eBeet roots can be pickled, grilled, baked or broiled.\u003cbr\u003eTo prevent red beets from excessive “bleeding” in cooking, wait until after cooking to peel, remove taproots and slice. Trim off the tops about 1 inch above the roots and wash carefully with a vegetable brush. Boil until tender, then plunge into cold water. When cool enough to handle, slip the skins off with your fingers and remove the little taproots. Slice the beets, or serve whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seedsplant","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778955116861,"sku":null,"price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778955149629,"sku":null,"price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778955182397,"sku":null,"price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778955215165,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_9bb161cd-f6b1-4dd6-b9a2-e8bde307feea.jpg?v=1780322281","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/beet-chioggia","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}