When to plant beets in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA

Plant beets from seed, directly in the garden in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 6–20.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Aberdeen and Hoquiam's typical last spring frost is March 30. On the coast, the soil is usually ready for beets around April 1.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, ½ inch deep, Thin to 3 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 6–20 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Pull at golf ball to tennis ball size. The greens are edible too.

Leaf miners leave pale trails in the leaves. Pick off affected leaves and use row cover.

Each seed cluster sprouts several seedlings; thin to 3 inches apart.

When is the last frost in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA?

Typically March 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Hoquiam Bowerman Airport.

Is it too late to plant beets in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 6 to August 20.

How long until I can harvest beets?

About 60 days after planting. Pull at golf ball to tennis ball size. The greens are edible too.