When to Plant Beets in Amherst County, VA
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.
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 242 feet, Amherst County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Amherst County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Amherst County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Beets Planting Timeline — Amherst County, VA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Amherst County
Growing Tips for Amherst 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
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 Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Amherst County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Amherst 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.