Vol. 124 (2011): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Growing and Marketing Beets at Local Green Markets in Southeast Florida, 2007–2011

PDF
  • Kenneth D Shuler,
  • Daniel G Shuler,
  • Deanna V Shuler
Kenneth D Shuler
Stephen’s Produce LLC., 12657 158th Street N., Jupiter, FL 33478
Daniel G Shuler
Stephen’s Produce LLC., 12657 158th Street N., Jupiter, FL 33478
Deanna V Shuler
Stephen’s Produce LLC., 12657 158th Street N., Jupiter, FL 33478

Published 2011-12-01

Keywords

  • Beta vulgaris L.,
  • ssp. Vulgaris,
  • compost,
  • farmers’ market,
  • garden

Abstract

The growers for Stephen’s Produce grew and marketed beets, Beta vulgarisL., ssp. vulgarisfrom 2007 to 2011 to help supply local green markets with a weekend supply of “garden fresh” produce. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figures will be discussed. Both ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Red Ace Hybrid’ were grown in 2007–2009. Since 2009–2010 only ‘Red Ace Hybrid’ has been grown. In 2010–2011, 31 weekly plantings were made beginning on 23 Aug. and ending 9 Mar. Beet seeds were direct seeded and thinned to one plant per hill. Beets were pulled, washed, bunched, and sold on 27 weekends from 6 Nov. to 8 May. An average of 12 bunches were sold each week at an average price of $2.22 per bunch or $26.51 per week for a total of $716.

PDF