(Beta vulgaris) Native to the Mediterranean, beets were celebrated by the ancient Greeks as a sacred crop and a powerful aphrodisiac. Beets are a nutritional powerhouse and a culinary delight. Direct sow beets 3-4 weeks before last frost and succession sow every two weeks thoughout the summer for continuous harvest. Ideal germination temperature is 55-85 F; seeds will germinate in 5-10 days. Plant seeds a ½ inch beneath the soil and thin to 4-6 inches apart. Sow again in late summer for fall harvest. Amend the planting site with well-rotted compost, work soil deeply, and remove rocks. Beets grow well in mild weather and can handle frost much better than excessive heat. Keep plants evenly watered to avoid cracked roots.