When to Plant Beets in Tillman County, OK
Your May game plan for Tillman County, Oklahoma
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Tillman County, Oklahoma this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the beets
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Tillman County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 807 feet, Tillman County receives approximately 25.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Tillman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 Tillman County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.5) is within Beets's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tillman County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.6" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 0.8" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Tillman 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 — Tillman County, OK
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Tillman County
Growing Tips for Beets in Tillman County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 03 in Tillman 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 Tillman County, OK?
Tillman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tillman County, OK?
Tillman County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Tillman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tillman County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.