To plant beets this year, I Havnt had any since I was a kid, 15-16 years old. I’m 60, been awhile..

Sooo what’s a great flavored beet for my area In Bama - my area is 7or8 , I’m right on the line
And what fertilizer do y’all suggest?
Thanks

Ish

I dont know about Southern beet varieties but. On the fertilizer issue

Beets are light feeders; if you mix plenty of compost into the soil at planting time, a light dose of complete fertilizer after tops are up is sufficient. Sow seeds 1 inches apart and cover with inches of compost, sand, or vermiculite, and water gently. When seedlings are about an inch tall, thin them to 3 inches apart

I'm in zone 3/4 so not sure if it'll help but I've switched to Cylindrical beets. They have a more mild flavor, kind of in the middle, and stain less than some. But the best thing is they are easier to peel and also easier to cut. Also easier to cut into more even sizes.

They grow well for me. If I plant too thick they'll grow upwards out of the ground instead of crowding others out. Easy to pick without disturbing those around them. They don't go woody. I also like the small , young leaves.

But I'm in a quite different planting zone than you.

I only use natural fertilizers. Aged manure, house/yard scraps, and egg shells. Occasionally feathers and straw.

Just glad there is not a list of "guys I want" on here from you....

Never start off a thread with "Guys I want". Bahaha.

Really

I always planted beets too close together. Now I use seed tape (I get mine from Jung's) and they work great.

Beet greens are good and very healthy.

I automatically assumed it was me.

I can see where that was a mistake LOL

Thanks trappers for all the tips

Thought it was a Personal Ad....

Hahaha! A lot did

I plant Cylindra beets every year in raised beds filled with mushroom compost. The key to getting nice beets is to keep them thinned. After you’ve thinned them, go back and thin them again. As for fertilizer, I use 12-12-12.

If you haven't had beets in 45 years there might be a reason you can't even remember.

Detroit Reds for over 10 years. I just work in manure and plant about 2 inches apart. You will still need to thin them and what I do when thinning the row is pull the whole plant and cook them up.

You will have very small beets/roots mostly but will have all that greens, cut the plants into and cook them up. It is like spinach an then pepper or season to your taste.

I really enjoy the green for a few early feasts.

I haven't had a beet since I was 9 years old when I figured out how to hide them in my napkin. As far as fertilizer goes my go to has always been concrete.