When to Plant Beets in Lemhi County, ID
Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 97 days.
At an elevation of 6,743 feet, Lemhi County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lemhi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lemhi County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–8.2) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lemhi County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 22.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Beets
Beets needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Beets Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.8" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lemhi County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Beets Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Beets Planting Timeline — Lemhi County, ID
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
97 days in Lemhi County
Growing Tips for Beets in Lemhi County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after June 09 in Lemhi County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.
Beets in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beets in Lemhi County, ID?
Lemhi County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lemhi County, ID?
Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lemhi County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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