Beets, or beetroot, are vibrant root vegetables known for their rich red, purple, or golden colors. They are a powerhouse of nutrients, including folate (a type of B vitamin), vitamin C, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining overall health. Beets are also high in betalains, natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection​​. Their sweet, earthy flavor can be enjoyed in various ways, such as raw in salads, roasted with herbs, or even juiced for a refreshing drink​.

In NYC, beets thrive in containers, making them ideal for urban spaces like balconies, rooftops, and terraces. Their compact growth allows for intercropping with other vegetables like lettuce, onions, and radishes, which means planting different crops together to save space and promote healthier plants. Beets flourish in cooler weather, extending your gardening season into the fall and early spring​.  And they have numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, boosting endurance, and enhancing brain function.

Beets prefer 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Can be grown in deep pots with bright light or using grow lights for 12-14 hours.

Keep soil evenly moist. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Beets are a cool weather crop and like 50-75°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Cooler temperatures improve flavor and texture.

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 8-10" deep, 2 gallons; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 12" deep, 3-5 gallons

Beets love loose, rich potting mix with organic cow manure and/or organic compost.

Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer 5-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: worm castings or compost. Regular fertilization ensures healthy root development.

Remove yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth. Regular monitoring ensures a supply of sweet, earthy beets. Harvest promptly to avoid the plant going to seed.

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pale Leaves: Add balanced fertilizer. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or release green lacewing larvae. Wilting: Water consistently. Diseases (Leaf Spot): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5

Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

1. Item 1
2. Item 2
3. Item 3

Unordered list

• Item A
• Item B
• Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

^Superscript

_Subscript