Beets
- A description of Beets
-
History: the word "beet" comes from the Celtic word "bett", meaning "red", the colour of the root. Beets have been cultivated for over 2000 years and were originally grown for their leaves, the roots being quite small and not at all like our modern beets. Through the years, the roots were developed into what we see today and many people are unaware that their leaves are still quite tasty greens. Beta vulgaris, the species to which most of our varieties belong, is a native of Egypt and the Mediterranean. Cultivation: Easy to grow. Direct sow seed in the garden in late spring/early summer 1/2" deep. A second crop can be seeded in late summer. Thin to 4" apart. Companions: bush beans (not runner), lettuce, onions, kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli and sage all promote growth and deter pests.