When to Plant Beets in Sequim, WA
Your July game plan for Clallam County, Washington
Your garden in Clallam County, Washington is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Collect beets at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- Fall sowing: 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.
Sequim, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 194 feet, Clallam County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Beets to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.
Sequim Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Sequim
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clallam County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 8.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0.8" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 9.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clallam 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 — Sequim, WA
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 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Clallam County
Growing Tips for Beets in Sequim
Direct sow Beets outdoors after April 23 in Clallam 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 Clallam County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clallam County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.