When to Plant Beets in Burlington County, NJ
Your May game plan for Burlington County, New Jersey
A quick May briefing for Burlington County, New Jersey gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Pick beets
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Burlington County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Burlington County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Burlington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Burlington County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) is more acidic than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Burlington 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 (3.0%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Burlington 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 — Burlington County, NJ
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
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 | 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Burlington County
Growing Tips for Beets in Burlington County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 09 in Burlington 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 Burlington County, NJ?
Burlington County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burlington County, NJ?
Burlington County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Burlington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Burlington County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.