<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n12. Beet Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Pests are a pain for any gardener to deal with during the growing season \u2013 but they are not the only concern. Fungal and bacterial diseases are also most active during the change in seasons between the spring and summer, resulting in various pathogens in the environment that can affect your beet crop. Some of the more common diseases affecting beet crops include the following pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blackroot \u2013 This root rot disease can result in the loss of your entire harvest. The pathogen also remains in the soil for years afterward, infecting any further crops you plant in the same flowerbed. Should your beets do develop this disease, then it’s best to quarantine this area of the garden and leave it alone for the following season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other fungal and bacterial diseases affecting beet crops include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Beet Curly Top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Soil Borne Mosaic Virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Cercospora Leaf Spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Cercospora Disease Forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Fusarium Yellows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Companion Plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The best way to get the most out of your beets this growing season is to plant some companion plants surrounding your beets. Companion plants can help you control disease, and prevent infection of your root vegetables. The companion plants mentioned below can start as early as the second week of spring, and most will finish around the same time as your beets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We like planting members of the brassica family with our beets. Brassicas include members of the cabbage family, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. Beets add extra nutrients and minerals to the soil that are beneficial for brassicas, increasing the yield in these companion plants when harvest time rolls around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also like to plant onions, garlic, and leeks around your beets, along with herbs such as rosemary and thyme. These veggies and herbs help to keep pests like Japanese beetles and Mexican bean beetles at bay, protecting your beets from pests that ruin your harvest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Keep the Greens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n When it comes time to harvest your beets, don\u2019 throw away the greens. Many novice and beginner gardeners make this mistake. However, if your greens are fresh and healthy, trim them from the beet, but don\u2019t rinse \u2013 and then store them in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to 5-days. The greens make an excellent addition to a salad, and they taste similar to spring onion greens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before you toss the greens with some oil and throw them into your garden salad, we recommend that you check for any insect infestations. Run the leaf between your fingers and try to feel for any bumps. These bumps could be the larvae of Leafminers, and that\u2019s the last thing you want to bite into when eating a salad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toss out any infected leaves, and store the rest or eat them right away. The greens come packed with vitamins and minerals that make them a suitable addition to your diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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