When to plant Beets in Covington County, MS
Plant Beets in Covington County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 26. Continue planting through March 19 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 6 to September 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Covington County, MS
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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.
Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Covington County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°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.
Covington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 Covington County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Your soil has 33% clay, which can cause forked or stunted roots for Beets. Use raised beds with loose, sandy mix for best results.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
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 Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Beets Water Budget
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Covington 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 — Covington County, MS
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 21 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Covington County
Growing Tips for Beets in Covington County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after March 12 in Covington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Covington County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Beets. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Covington County, provide afternoon shade for Beets and water deeply in the morning.
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 Covington County, MS?
Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Covington County, MS?
Covington County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 15.
When should I plant Beets in Covington County, MS?
In Covington County, MS, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Covington County, MS for Beets?
Covington 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 Covington County's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Covington County's temperate climate. Covington County averages a 248-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 15.
Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Covington 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.