When to Plant Beets in Hillsborough County, NH
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.
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 145 feet, Hillsborough County receives approximately 44 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.
Hillsborough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
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 — Hillsborough County, NH
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 |
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 | 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 5b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County, NH?
Hillsborough County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hillsborough County, NH?
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hillsborough County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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