When to plant Beets in Ashdown, AR
For Ashdown, gardeners: plant Beets March 6 through March 27 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 3 to September 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Ashdown, AR
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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.
Ashdown, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,477 feet, Little River County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.
Ashdown Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Beets 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 Ashdown
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Little River County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
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 Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Beets Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Beets
Beets needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Beets Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Little River County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Beets Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Beets Planting Timeline — Ashdown, AR
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Little River County
Growing Tips for Beets in Ashdown
Direct sow Beets outdoors after March 20 in Little River 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.
Beets in Other Locations
When should I plant Beets in Ashdown, AR?
In Ashdown, AR, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ashdown, AR for Beets?
Ashdown sits in USDA Zone 8b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Ashdown's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Ashdown's temperate climate. Ashdown averages a 237-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 12.
Your Little River County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Little River County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.