When to plant Beets in Simpson,
Simpson gardeners should plant Beets between March 24 and April 14 in spring. With Simpson's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 7), Beets needs 70 days to mature — plant by August 12 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Simpson, IL
This month in Simpson, IL
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Simpson, IL this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: beets
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Simpson, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Simpson Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Beets Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Simpson
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Beets will thrive.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Beets Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 Planting Timeline — Simpson, IL
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Beets in Simpson
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 07 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.
Beets in Other Locations
When should I plant Beets in Simpson, ?
In Simpson, , plant Beets after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Simpson, for Beets?
Simpson sits in USDA Zone 7a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Simpson's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Simpson's temperate climate. Simpson averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.