When to Plant Beets in Sharkey County, MS
May in the garden — Sharkey County, Mississippi
May is a pivotal month for Sharkey County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the 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.
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 460 feet, Sharkey County receives approximately 55.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Beets, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.
Sharkey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Sharkey County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sharkey County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Beets.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 09.
Plant 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharkey 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 — Sharkey County, MS
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Sharkey County
Growing Tips for Beets in Sharkey County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after March 05 in Sharkey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sharkey County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Beets. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharkey County, MS?
Sharkey County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Sharkey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sharkey 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.