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When to plant Beets in Felda, FL

In Felda, plant Beets in spring between December 24 and January 14, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Felda's last frost averages January 1, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between February 18 and March 4 — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on December 31.

When to Plant Beets in Felda, FL

Beets
Hendry County, Florida Zone 10a July

This month in Hendry County, Florida

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Hendry County, Florida this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost January 14
Soil temp (4") 93°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs
  1. Plan the fall garden

    Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.

  2. Keep heat-survivor crops productive

    Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.

  3. Watch for hurricane prep season

    August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.

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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.

Felda, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

Felda, FL (Zone 10a) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost January 14
91 growing days
First Fall Frost April 15

Felda Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Soil Compatibility in Felda

How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Hendry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Beets will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Beets.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Beets.

How to Plant Beets

0.5"
Planting Depth
4"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Beets Water Budget

Plant needs
0.8″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,547 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 3.5" 2.6" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Feb 3.5" 2.7" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Mar 3.5" 3.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3.5" 2.6" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 3.5" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.5" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.5" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.5" 9.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.5" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3.5" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry 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 needs ~1,005 GDD — county provides 6,113 GDD Excellent fit

Beets Planting Timeline — Felda, FL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow December 24 Dec 24 – Jan 14
Harvest February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 18
Fall Sowing February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

91 days in Hendry County

Growing Tips for Beets in Felda

Direct sow Beets outdoors after January 14 in Hendry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Hendry 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

  • 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 Felda, FL?

In Felda, FL, plant Beets after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Felda, FL for Beets?

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

Can Beets grow in Felda's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Felda's temperate climate. Felda averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

Your Hendry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hendry County (Zone 10a). 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 Hendry County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.