When to plant Beets in Augusta, MO
Augusta gardeners should plant Beets between March 30 and April 20 in spring. With Augusta's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Beets needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 15 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Augusta, MO
Your June game plan for St. Charles County, Missouri
Your garden in St. Charles County, Missouri is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Harvest beets as they ripen
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Augusta, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,295 feet, St. Charles County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Augusta Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
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 Augusta
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Charles County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in St. Charles 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 — Augusta, MO
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in St. Charles County
Growing Tips for Beets in Augusta
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 13 in St. Charles 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
When should I plant Beets in Augusta, MO?
In Augusta, MO, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Augusta, MO for Beets?
Augusta sits in USDA Zone 6b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Augusta's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Augusta's temperate climate. Augusta averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your St. Charles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Charles County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.