Blog

When to Plant Beets in Wexford County, MI

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.

Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 1,167 feet, Wexford County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.

Wexford County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Wexford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Wexford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline โ€” Wexford County, MI

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 24
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 26
Fall Sowing July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Aug 9

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 4" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

140 days in Wexford County

Growing Tips for Wexford 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

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard โ€” same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Wexford County, MI?

Wexford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wexford County, MI?

Wexford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wexford County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wexford County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.