Blog

When to plant Beets in DeKalb County, GA

Plant Beets in DeKalb County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 8. Continue planting through March 29 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in DeKalb County, GA

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.

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 323 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Beets, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

DeKalb County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

DeKalb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

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 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, GA

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 3 May 3 – May 31
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in DeKalb County

Growing Tips for DeKalb County

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Beets in DeKalb County, GA?

In DeKalb County, GA, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeKalb County, GA for Beets?

DeKalb County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in DeKalb County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.