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When to plant Beets in Lee County, GA

Plant Beets in Lee County from February 21 to March 14 in spring. Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around March 7 and first frost on November 18. A second sowing from September 9 to September 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Lee 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.

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Beets may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Lee County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 14
Harvest April 18 Apr 18 – May 16
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, GA?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, GA?

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Beets in Lee County, GA?

In Lee County, GA, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, GA for Beets?

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

Can Beets grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). 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, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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