When to Plant Beets in Taos County, NM
May in the garden — Taos County, New Mexico
Your garden in Taos County, New Mexico is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Scatter beets into prepared beds
Your soil is 35°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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.
Taos County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 7,833 feet, Taos County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Beets will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Taos County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.5
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 Taos County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.5) is more alkaline than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Taos County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Beets will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Taos 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 — Taos County, NM
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
118 days in Taos County
Growing Tips for Beets in Taos County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after May 26 in Taos County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Taos County dries quickly — mulch Beets with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Taos County, NM?
Taos County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 26. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Taos County, NM?
Taos County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Taos County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Taos 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.