Plant seeds directly in the garden starting 2-4 weeks before average last spring frost. Optimum soil temperature for seed germination is 65-75 degrees. Don't plant to early or an extended cold spell may cause plants to bolt. Sow thickly, then thin plants to 2-3" apart. Beets are somewhat shade tolerant. Harvest greens when plants are 4-6" tall. For tender beet roots, harvest when they are still small; around 1.5". Can be planted again in mid-to-late summer for winter harvest & storage.