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When to plant Beets in DeKalb County, MO

Aim to plant Beets in DeKalb County on or after March 31; the window stays open through April 21. DeKalb County's 187-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in DeKalb County, MO

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.

DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 917 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.

DeKalb County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

DeKalb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, MO

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 9 Aug 9 – Aug 23

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

187 days in DeKalb County

Growing Tips for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO?

DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO?

DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Beets in DeKalb County, MO?

In DeKalb County, MO, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeKalb County, MO for Beets?

DeKalb 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 DeKalb County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.