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When to Plant Beets in Fall River County, SD

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.

Fall River County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Fall River County receives approximately 25.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall.

Fall River County, SD (Zone 5a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Fall River County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — Fall River County, SD

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Jul 23
Fall Sowing July 23 Jul 23 – Aug 6

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

140 days in Fall River County

Growing Tips for Fall River 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 Fall River County, SD?

Fall River County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fall River County, SD?

Fall River County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 1.

🌱

Your Fall River County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fall River County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fall River County, SD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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