When to Plant Beets in Amherst County, VA
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.
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 242 feet, Amherst County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Amherst County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 — Amherst County, VA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 19 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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
204 days
Growing Tips for Amherst 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 Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Amherst County gardeners in Zone 7a 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.