When to Plant Beets in New Jersey
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
New Jersey Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central New Jersey | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Southern New Jersey | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Beets Planting Schedule for New Jersey
Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Beets in New Jersey
Beets in New Jersey's Climate
Beets are a reliable three-season crop in your climate. Direct sow from early spring through mid-July, plus a fall planting in August. They handle your clay soils better than most root vegetables. Fall beets sweetened by frost are the highlight — the cold converts starches to sugars for noticeably better flavor.
Soil Considerations for New Jersey
Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
New Jersey Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Jersey's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for beets — but beets handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Each beet 'seed' is actually a cluster — thin to one plant after sprouting. Harvest at 1.5-3 inches for tender roots.
Companion Planting
Plant beets alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep beets away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026