When to Plant Beets in McMinn County, TN
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.
McMinn County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 3,081 feet, McMinn County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
McMinn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 — McMinn County, TN
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for McMinn 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 McMinn County, TN?
McMinn County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McMinn County, TN?
McMinn County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McMinn County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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