Beet is a vibrant and versatile vegetable that can add a pop of color to your garden and your plate. It’s a superfood that’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, many of which have medicinal properties .
Health Benefits
Beet is a folate-rich vegetable that plays a key role in growth, development, and heart health . It’s also a good source of manganese, which is involved in bone formation, nutrient metabolism, brain function, and more . Plus, it’s high in copper, an important mineral required for energy production and the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters .
Beet has been well studied for its ability to decrease elevated blood pressure levels, which are a major risk factor for heart disease . It’s also good for athletes, as it helps improve energy balance and athletic performance .
Easy to Grow
Beet is a fast-growing vegetable that can be grown just about anywhere . It’s easy to grow from seed in the ground or in containers . Beets are a cool-season vegetable crop, so you might be able to get both an early crop planted in the spring as well as a crop planted in the summer or fall . Most beet varieties are ready to harvest about two months after planting .
Beets are low-maintenance and suffer few pests and diseases . They need a sunny spot with good soil drainage . Beets prefer to grow in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days . However, they can tolerate some light shade . A light, rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is best . Provide at least 1 inch of water every week . Mulching will help to keep the soil from drying out and getting too warm .
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