When to plant Beets in Smith River, CA
Smith River gardeners should plant Beets between March 6 and March 27 in spring. With Smith River's Zone 9b climate (last frost March 27), Beets needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by September 11 for a full harvest. A second sowing from September 25 to October 9 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Smith River, CA
June to-do list for Del Norte County, California
A quick June briefing for Del Norte County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Smith River, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 72 feet, Del Norte County receives approximately 43.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Beets will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Smith River Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Smith River
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Del Norte County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Beets will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 25.
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 | — | 8.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.3" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Del Norte 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 — Smith River, CA
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 25 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
238 days in Del Norte County
Growing Tips for Beets in Smith River
Direct sow Beets outdoors after March 27 in Del Norte County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Del Norte County dries quickly — mulch Beets with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Smith River, CA?
In Smith River, CA, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Smith River, CA for Beets?
Smith River sits in USDA Zone 9b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Smith River's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Smith River's temperate climate. Smith River averages a 238-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 20.
Your Del Norte County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Del Norte County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.