Beet, Thyme, and Apple Salad Recipe by Gardenuity
Growing beets in a fall garden can be a rewarding experience, as they thrive in cooler weather and can be less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to summer cultivation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow beets in a fall garden:
Planning and Timing
The key to successful beet cultivation is timing. Beets need about 50 to 70 days to mature. In different zones:
- Zones 3–5: Plant late July to early August.
- Zones 6–7: Plant early to mid-August.
- Zones 8–9: Plant late August through September.
Preparing the Soil
Beets prefer loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is rocky or too alkaline, add compost to improve its structure and fertility. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week.
Planting Beets
- Sow seeds directly in your garden bed, planting them about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Mulch can help retain moisture and keep weeds down. For hot weather, interplant with radishes to provide shade for emerging beet seeds.
Caring for the Plants
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 3 to 4 inches apart to allow roots to develop fully. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot spells. As fall progresses, you can slightly reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.
Harvesting
Beets can be harvested when they are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. In the fall, they can remain in the ground until after a hard frost. The greens are also edible and can be used in salads. To harvest, trim the greens about 1 to 2 inches from the top of the beet to preserve them for cooking.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a successful fall harvest of delicious and nutritious beets. These root vegetables are rich in iron, fiber, and vitamins A & C, making them a great addition to any meal throughout the day.
Recipe: Beets, Thyme & Apple Salad
This article features a recipe for Beets, Thyme & Apple Salad from Food & Wine. In a large bowl, whisk vinegar with mustard. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of oil until emulsified. Add horseradish and season with salt and pepper; toss with the beets, pistachios, and apple.
To prepare the beets, lightly drizzle them and thyme with olive oil in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, cover with foil, and roast until the beets are tender, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Let cool, then peel the beets and cut them into 3/4-inch dice.
A recipe for Herby Garlic Flatbread is suggested as a pairing for the Beets, Thyme & Apple Salad. Enjoy this nutritious and flavourful meal as you reap the rewards of your fall garden!
- Incorporating beets in your fall gardening can offer a nutritious addition to your fall lifestyle, as these vegetables are ready to harvest in about 50 to 70 days and have a high content of iron, fiber, and vitamins A & C.
- Aside from using them in a garden, beets can be a fascinating element in your food-and-drink routines, such as the Beets, Thyme & Apple Salad recipe from Food & Wine, which pairs well with Herby Garlic Flatbread.
- To further elevate your home-and-garden experiences, consider experimenting with various garden recipes, like the Beets, Thyme & Apple Salad, to complement your fall gardening endeavors and enrich your cooking lifestyle.
