Planting Tips: Beets can be planted in the garden any time after the last frost is expected. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and two inches apart in the row. When the seedlings emerge, thin the plants to stand about four inches apart.

Harvesting Tips: You can harvest both the young leaves and baby beets as you thin the row. The young leaves are delicious in salads, and the greens taste great cooked — either with the baby beets attached or on their own.

Seed Saving Tips: Beets are biennial plants, requiring two years to produce seed. If you wish to save seed, leave a few beets in the ground and cover them with mulch when the soil first begins to freeze. In colder climates, you may need to dig and store them in a cool, frost-free place over winter, then replant them in spring. The plants will send up seed stalks their second year. When the seeds are mature and dry, cut off the stalks and place them in a large paper bag. Shake the bag to release the seeds, then dry them thoroughly before storing in an airtight container.