When to Plant Beets in Story County, IA
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.
Story County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,177 feet, Story County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.
Story County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Beets Planting Timeline — Story County, IA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
160 days
Growing Tips for Story County
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
Level Up Your Garden
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 Story County, IA?
Story County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Story County, IA?
Story County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Story County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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