Beets are one of those foods that you either love or hate. I personally am in the love camp. I could easily eat beets every day. I can’t even imagine a garden where I wouldn’t find a place to grow beets. Because I am such a huge fan of beets and lists, I’ve decided to combine the two into an awesome little companion planting reference. Well, I think it’s awesome, at least.
- Broccoli. Broccoli is just a quiet little neighbor for beets. It doesn’t cause any trouble.
- Mint. Don’t grow the mint in the ground next to beets. You will regret it. Mint is an invasive booger, BUT, it is amazing for clipping and using as mulch around the beets to deter pests.
- Garlic. Garlic will help with both flavor and growth of beets.
- Brussels Sprouts. Brussels Sprouts follow the same good-neighbor principal as broccoli.
- Bush Beans. This is an important distinction. Bush beans good, pole beans bad. Bush beans benefit from the amount of magnesium beets leave in the soil.
- Cabbage. Pretty much anything in the cabbage family is safe to plant near beets.
- Cauliflower. Again, good neighbors.
- Chard. Good neighbors.
- Kohlrabi. Both Kohlrabi and Beets grow better together.
- Onions. Good neighbors.
Are you in the “I heart beets” category? What do you grow them with?
~Mavis
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Diane says
I have a “beet” mystery! I’ve had great success growing golden beets and epic fails growing red beets. I’ve tried with both seeds and starts. Has anyone experienced this and if so have you come up with any solutions? Thanks.
ashma says
I grew them from the tops cut off fresh beets and have great harvest. I plant them sometime in April and use organic soil in my garden. I do organic gardening and have been blessed with great products. Usually they are ready mid summer. I live in Georgia.
Ellen in Clackamas says
where do you live Diane? I ask because this has been my problem too! I can remember my Mom just kind of throwing beets seeds onto the ground and having great crops (with really poor soil) but no red beets for me except from the Farmers Market.
Diane says
Hi Ellen,
I am in North Seattle. This year I’m going to make a new raised bed especially for my root crops.
It is such a mystery because i don’t think there is any botanical difference (except color).
Thanks for responding, at least I’m not alone with this issue! I like the goldens roasted. I prefer the reds for pickling.
Still too wet for direct sowing in my garden because we’ve had a super wet winter. It will not be long, I’m thinking another week. I can’t wait!
Tracy says
I want to like beets. Every year I try them and I still don’t like them. They taste like dirt to me. They are beautiful and I know they are good for me, but I can honestly say it is probably the only thing I do not like. Help Mavis! I want to like them.
Ellen in Clackamas says
Tracy, maybe you could try some pickled beets or another way is what our school used to call “Harvard beets” (no idea about the name) but they are sliced beets in a sweet and sour sauce.
thanks Diane. Yes, my ground is still way too wet for any planting (plus I hate trying to garden in the cold rain). I have my packet of beet seeds though and am going to try again. And yes, I have raised beds.