When to plant Beets in Summit County, CO
In Summit County, plant Beets in spring between June 2 and June 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Summit County's last frost averages June 16, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between June 26 and July 10 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on September 4.
When to Plant Beets in Summit County, CO
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Summit County, Colorado this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Scatter beets into prepared beds
Your soil is 45°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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Kick off the fall garden with beets
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: beets
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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.0) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Beets.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Beets 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit 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 — Summit County, CO
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Beets in Summit County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after June 16 in Summit 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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
When should I plant Beets in Summit County, CO?
In Summit County, CO, plant Beets after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Beets?
Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Summit County's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.