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When to plant Beets in Scott County County,

Spring Beets in Scott County County goes in March 31–April 21, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Scott County, IL

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.

Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 987 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.

Scott County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Scott County, IL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jun 23
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, IL?

Scott County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IL?

Scott County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Beets in Scott County County, ?

In Scott County County, , plant Beets after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County County, for Beets?

Scott County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Scott County County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Scott County County's temperate climate. Scott County County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 6a). 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 Scott County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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