Grow Beets in Buckets? Yes — And It’s Easier Than You Think!

This guide walks you through the entire process—from selecting the right buckets and  seeds to harvesting tender, flavorful beets right at home.

Why Grow Beets in  Buckets?

Beets thrive in deep, loose soil, which makes buckets an excellent container choice. Buckets allow for excellent control over soil quality, moisture, and drainage, making it easier to grow healthy root crops. Plus, container gardening reduces the risk of pests and diseases common in ground planting.

Growing in buckets also gives you the flexibility to move your plants to sunnier areas or protect them from extreme weather, allowing you to extend your growing season.

What You’ll Need

• • 5-gallon plastic buckets (or similar-sized containers)

• • Beet seeds (choose a fast-growing variety like ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Boltardy’)

  • Potting soil with good drainage (a mix of compost, peat, and perlite works well)

  • Compost or organic fertilizer

• • Small stones or gravel (for bottom drainage)

  • Drill or screwdriver (to make drainage holes)

  • Watering can or spray bottle

Step 1: Prepare the Buckets

Start by cleaning the buckets thoroughly if they’ve been used before. Drill 5–6 holes in the bottom of each bucket for drainage. This step is critical to prevent root rot and ensure healthy root development.

Add a layer of small stones or gravel at the base for improved drainage. Then, fill the bucket with your potting mix, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top.

Step 2: Sow Beet Seeds

Beet seeds are actually clusters of seeds, so more than one seedling may emerge from each. Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. If you’re using a standard 5-gallon bucket, you can sow 6–8 seeds comfortably.

Water the soil gently but thoroughly after planting. Place the bucket in a sunny location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Step 3: Germination and Thinning

Beet seeds usually germinate within 5 to 10 days. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, it’s important to thin them. Choose the strongest-looking seedling in each cluster and snip the others at the soil line using scissors. Avoid pulling them out, as this may disturb nearby roots.

Thinning is essential to allow each beet enough space to develop a healthy root. Overcrowding leads to small, underdeveloped beets.

Step 4: Watering and Feeding

Beets need consistently moist soil, especially during root formation. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, making sure it’s even but not soggy.

Feed your beet plants every 2 to 3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they promote leaf growth at the expense of the roots.

Step 5: Care and Maintenance

Keep your containers weed-free, as weeds can compete with your beets for nutrients and water. If your buckets are outdoors, consider adding mulch to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Rotate your buckets or reposition them if needed to ensure all plants receive even sunlight. If pests like aphids or leaf miners appear, treat them with neem oil spray or insecticidal soap early.

Step 6: Harvesting Beets

Most beet varieties are ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after sowing. You can begin harvesting when the roots reach about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Gently brush away the soil and inspect the root size. Don’t wait too long to harvest, as overly mature beets can become woody.

To harvest, gently pull the beets from the soil, holding near the base of the leaves. Shake off excess dirt and trim the greens, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding.

Beet greens are edible too—they’re packed with nutrients and can be sautéed or added to salads and soups.

Step 7: Replant or Store

Once your first harvest is complete, refresh the soil with compost and sow a new batch. Beets can be grown successively every few weeks for a continuous supply.

If storing your beets, keep them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate them in a perforated bag. They can last for several weeks when stored properly.

Final Tips

• • Avoid letting the soil dry out completely during root development.

  • If you’re in a warm climate, try planting beets in the cooler months to avoid bolting.

  • Don’t overcrowd the  bucket—space encourages larger, healthier roots.

• Experiment with colorful varieties like golden beets or Chioggia for visual appeal and flavor variety.

Growing beets in  buckets is a rewarding, space-efficient way to produce fresh, nutritious food at home. With a few containers and a sunny corner, you can enjoy homegrown beets from  seed to harvest—no backyard required.