When to Plant Beets in Yakima County, WA
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.
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 3,150 feet, Yakima County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Yakima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Yakima County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yakima County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Beets will thrive.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Plant Water Budget
Beets Planting Timeline — Yakima County, WA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 15 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Yakima County
Growing Tips for Beets in Yakima County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after May 06 in Yakima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yakima County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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