How do you know when beets are ready?

[curly_kate]

I'm growing beets for the first time this year, and, silly me, I forgot to mark down when I planted them (think it was around Mar 1). So I'm not sure if they're ready or not. The tops are nice and big, but I don't see anything pushing out of the ground. Will I be able to see their "shoulders" when they're ready? that's how I know my carrots & radishes are done.

 

[lesa]

Yes, they stick out a little, above the ground. Baby beets are delicious too-so if you cheat and take a look, just cook it up!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you planted the beets too thick and need to thin them, the tops are great. We used some in a bean soup that was great. You can cook them up like chard.

 

[lesa]

The chickens love beet greens. When I was harvesting last year, they ate so many the eggs were tinged pink!