Not everyone likes beets but they’re on my top ten favorite vegetables list. They store well in my fridge for several months and the enjoyment and recipe trials are extended. I plant them close together—about 80 seeds using a wire grid in a 24 x 48 inch area. I use the recommended seed priming method described at GrowVeg. Their method resulted in about a 90% germination rate.

I planted them mid-October and over the winter they are established but only size up in the spring with more daylight. I pull larger ones as the season progresses, leaving room for smaller ones to grow. Most years I grow Baby Ball, a Dutch variety from Renee’s Garden. They maintain their quality small or oversized.

With my mandoline, I sliced the harvested beets 1/8 inch thick. The task would have been nearly impossible without the tool.

A beet galette was a new adventure for me. I sauteed spring onions in olive oil then added brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and reduced to a spreading consistency. Herbed goat cheese and fresh thyme proceeded the sliced beets.

In haste, I forgot to sprinkle with fresh thyme. The beet galette was memorable—tender, sweet beets enfolded in a flaky crust. I may repeat this soon.

The three large beets yielded more slices than needed for the galette so I sliced them for salads and also sauteed strips in olive oil as a side dish.

My neighbor who only likes beet greens happily takes beet greens beyond what I can use.

With extra beet slices I also made a black bean and rice entree. Lime juice and roasted pistachios added interest. This is an “every beet season” favorite.

A second sowing of golden sweet snow peas supplements the meager first round.

The patio Bountiful Blue blueberry bush is just starting to produce. This just as I saw a lovely male bluebird in the backyard. My neighbor covers her blueberry bushes, preferring not to leave them for the bluebirds.

The calendulas were just waking up from a cool overnight as I gathered them for Sunday’s church bouquet.

Check the What I’m Planting Now page as I begin to plant the summer garden. Then head today to Harvest Monday, hosted by Dave at Happy Acres blog and see what garden bloggers around the world harvested last week.

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