When to Plant Beets in Dixie, WA
August in Walla Walla County, Washington — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Walla Walla County, Washington this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Get beets in for a late-season harvest
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
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.
Dixie, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Dixie Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Beets 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 Dixie
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) is more acidic than Beets prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Walla Walla County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Beets will thrive.
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 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Beets 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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.9" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Walla Walla 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 — Dixie, WA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
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 | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Walla Walla County
Growing Tips for Beets in Dixie
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 20 in Walla Walla 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
Your Walla Walla County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walla Walla County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.