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When to plant Beets in Bear Lake County, ID

Plant Beets in Bear Lake County after May 24; the prime window is May 10–May 31. A second sowing from July 16 to July 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Bear Lake County, ID

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.

Bear Lake County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 5,220 feet, Bear Lake County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°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.

Bear Lake County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 24
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Bear Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.2

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Bear Lake County, ID

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 – May 31
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 2
Fall Sowing July 16 Jul 16 – Jul 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

123 days in Bear Lake County

Growing Tips for Bear Lake 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 Bear Lake County, ID?

Bear Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 24. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bear Lake County, ID?

Bear Lake County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Beets in Bear Lake County, ID?

In Bear Lake County, ID, plant Beets after the last frost (around May 24) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bear Lake County, ID for Beets?

Bear Lake 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 Bear Lake County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Bear Lake County's temperate climate. Bear Lake County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 24 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Bear Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bear Lake 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.

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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 Bear Lake County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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