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When to plant Beets in Alva, FL

Plant Beets in Alva, when soil hits 50°F — usually January 7. Continue planting through January 28 for the spring crop. A second sowing from October 24 to November 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Alva, FL

Beets
Lee County, Florida Zone 10b June

June in the garden — Lee County, Florida

A quick June briefing for Lee County, Florida gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost January 28
Avg. first frost December 19
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.7 hrs
  1. Survive, don't thrive

    June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.

  2. Start fall tomato seeds indoors

    Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.

  3. Add compost to empty beds

    Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.

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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.

Alva, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

Alva, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
325 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
325 growing days
First Fall Frost December 19

Alva Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline — Alva, FL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 28
Harvest March 4 Mar 4 – Apr 1
Fall Sowing October 24 Oct 24 – Nov 7

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Direct Sow
February
March Harvest
April Harvest
May
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10b

📆 Growing Season

325 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Alva

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

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

When should I plant Beets in Alva, FL?

In Alva, FL, plant Beets after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alva, FL for Beets?

Alva sits in USDA Zone 10b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Alva's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Alva's temperate climate. Alva averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.