When to Plant Beets in Yolo County, CA
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Yolo County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Yolo County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 163 feet, Yolo County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Beets may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Yolo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Yolo County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Yolo County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.8" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.3" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yolo 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 — Yolo County, CA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Yolo County
Growing Tips for Beets in Yolo County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after February 09 in Yolo 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beets in Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yolo County, CA?
Yolo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Yolo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yolo 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.