When to Plant Beets in Stillwater County, MT
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.
Stillwater County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 6,319 feet, Stillwater County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°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.
Stillwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Beets Planting Timeline — Stillwater County, MT
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
123 days
Growing Tips for Stillwater 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 Stillwater County, MT?
Stillwater County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stillwater County, MT?
Stillwater County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stillwater County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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