Renee's Garden Beet Dutch Baby Ball

Planting: In early Spring, when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1" apart in rows 8" - 10" apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed in the rows as seedlings will catch up fast. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to stand 3" - 4" apart so roots have room to grow and mature.

Growing: For tender, best quality beets, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in early fall at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Be sure to thin beet seedlings carefully several times as they grow best if given enough room.

Harvest & Use: Harvest baby beets at 1" - 1½" in diameter, or let some mature into full-sized beets. Briefly steam the tender-sweet tops for tasty greens. Freshly picked baby beets will cook very quickly; just steam, then peel and serve them with a little sweet butter and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh dill leaf. Or try your own pickled baby beets!