When to plant Beets in Morrison County, MN
Beets planted in Morrison County between April 27 and May 18 matures in 50–70 days — well before the October 6 first frost. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Morrison County, MN
Your August gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Morrison County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Morrison County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.
Morrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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 Morrison County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morrison 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 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Morrison 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 — Morrison County, MN
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Morrison County
Growing Tips for Beets in Morrison County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after May 04 in Morrison 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beets in Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Beets in Morrison County, MN?
In Morrison County, MN, plant Beets after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morrison County, MN for Beets?
Morrison County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Morrison County's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Morrison County's temperate climate. Morrison County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 6.
Your Morrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morrison County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.