When to Plant Beets in Bedford 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.
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 414 feet, Bedford County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.
Bedford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bedford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Beets Planting Timeline — Bedford County, VA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Bedford County
Growing Tips for Bedford 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 Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bedford County, VA?
Bedford County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Bedford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bedford 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.