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When to Plant Beets in Lee County, TX

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.

Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.

At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Beets may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Beets, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

Lee County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
275 days
Last Spring Frost February 28
275 growing days
First Fall Frost November 30

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline — Lee County, TX

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 28
Harvest April 4 Apr 4 – May 2
Fall Sowing October 5 Oct 5 – Oct 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Direct Sow
March
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

275 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, TX?

Lee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, TX?

Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 9a). 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 Lee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.