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Whether you’re growing beets for the first time or you’ve grown them in the past, but they’re looking less lively than before, it might get you wondering if you should apply fertilizer. Fertilizers can be a great addition to any garden, but you want to make sure you have the right balance.
Since soil can lose nutrients over time, almost all beets benefit from fertilizer. That’s especially true if you plant in the same garden year after year. The good news is that you can see results quickly when applying fertilizer to your beets — studies show that short-term fertilizer applications boost root-healthy rhizobia.
So, if you’re ready to give your beets some love, we’ll share some of the best beet fertilizers with you here. In this guide, we’ve compared our favorites, some of which are excellent choices no matter your climate. Let’s take a deeper look!
At a Glance: Top Beet Fertilizers
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Buyer’s Guide
Before we dive into the best fertilizers, below are some considerations you should keep in mind when treating beets. It’s important to understand the nutrient concentration of the fertilizers you pick, the contents of the product, as well as making sure it fits your budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors when picking fertilizer for your beets.
Nutrients & Macronutrients
Ideally, you should take a soil sample to understand the macro and micronutrients already present. However, if you don’t have the means or time to do so, a safe choice is to purchase a fertilizer containing the following three macronutrients:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Most fertilizers indicate the percentage of macronutrients by placing these three numbers on the front of the bag. So, if you purchase a fertilizer that reads 15 – 10 – 10, it means that it contains 15% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.
Fertilizer Styles
When you’re searching for the best beet fertilizer, you’ll encounter two main types—granular and liquid. Granulated fertilizer is a more labor-intensive process since you’ll need to mix it with the first one to three inches of your soil. On the other hand, you’ll simply need to mix liquid fertilizer with water and pour it around your beets.
Synthetic vs. Organic
There’s an increasingly larger number of organic fertilizers available on the market today, although synthetic fertilizers still have their place.
Generally speaking, synthetic fertilizers offer more opportunities for fast-acting help if your beets look lifeless. On the other hand, organic fertilizers are an excellent option for changing the physical composition of your soil, offering a typically slow but longer-term benefit.
Price
Fertilizing beets doesn’t have to break the bank. However, we recommend avoiding ultra-cheap products. These often contain many fillers, which can reduce the taste of your vegetables and aren’t the healthiest to consume.
A little bit of fertilizer goes a long way for both synthetic and organic fertilizers. Furthermore, many brands offer several size options from which you can choose. While many fertilizers have a long shelf life, try to estimate the amount of fertilizer you’ll need before making your purchase so that you don’t spend more money than necessary.
Top Fertilizers For Beets
Many of the vegetable-specific fertilizers are great for beets. This can be helpful if you’ve planted other veggies in your garden and need to fertilize them as well. You’ll notice that quite a few of our favorites for beets are also fertilizers we’d pick for squash, fertilizers for corn, or for fertilizing cucumbers.
Now you have an idea of what to look for as we review our favorite beet fertilizers. Read on to learn about our favorite fertilizers that will transform your beetroot into some of the most delicious vegetables you’ve ever eaten.
MIracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food
- It doesn’t burn plants.
- Instant feed.
- High nitrogen content.
- Suitable for all vegetables.
- Five container sizes.
- Water application.
- Apply every 1 – 2 weeks.
Miracle-Gro is one of the biggest competitors in the fertilizing industry, so it’s fitting that we start with their All-Purpose product. It’s an excellent option if you have sickly-looking beets since their instant feed formula quickly delivers them nutrients.
What we like about this product is you can tailor how frequently you use it. Whereas many fertilizers only let you apply them a few times or less per season, you can apply Miracle-Gro All-Purpose as often as every week.
To use, mix one tablespoon of the powder per gallon of water. Alternatively, if you have a large crop of beets, you can attach a hose to Miracle-Gro’s Garden Feeder and quickly spray your plants.
Pros
- Reputable brand history.
- Suitable for all vegetables.
- Budget friendly.
Cons
- Generic plant food.
- Not organic.
- Container size doesn’t translate.
Burpee Organic Bone Meal
- Slow-release nitrogen.
- Improved phosphorus and calcium.
- Improves blooms.
- Strengthens roots.
- Great starter fertilizer.
- OMRI labeled organic.
- Improves beet flavor.
If you know that your soil contains decent potassium levels but lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium, Burpee’s bone meal formula is an excellent choice for fertilizing beets. In fact, they promote their fertilizer as a great source of nutrients for tuber vegetables.
Their organic bone meal fertilizer breaks down slowly. Therefore, by mixing it into the soil at the beginning of the planting season, your beets will benefit from a constant supply of root-friendly phosphorus and foliage-friendly nitrogen throughout the season.
Because of its superior nutrition, you can expect your beets to grow faster than usual. That’s especially the case if you follow Burpee’s recommendation to apply their fertilizer as early as possible in the season.
Pros
- Slow-release nitrogen.
- OMRI labeled organic.
- Improves beet flavor.
Cons
- Slightly pricier.
- Not well suited for all climates.
- Requires dilution to be distributed.
Jack’s Classic All Purpose Fertilizer
- Rapid leaf growth.
- Equal concentration of macronutrients.
- Made from fine raw materials.
- Anti-caking properties.
- Dissolves quickly in water.
- Apply every 1 – 2 weeks.
- Helps beetroot develop a deeper color.
When in doubt about your soil’s nutritional benefit, it’s hard to go wrong by choosing a fertilizer that contains an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the case of Jack’s Classic, it has 20% of each of these macronutrients.
It also provides an impressive list of micronutrients, including copper, iron, and manganese. By targeting rapid leaf growth, Jack’s Classic will give your beets extra opportunities for photosynthesis, which will power their root development.
To use this fertilizer, mix one tablespoon of the granules per gallon of water. Then, soak the soil around the beets, ensuring that you don’t put the water too close to their stems. It’s safe to apply this fertilizer every 7 – 14 days, according to your plants’ health.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- High-quality ingredients.
- Large amount of macronutrients.
Cons
- Generic formula.
- Can burn if not used correctly.
- Not the perfect balance for all plants.
LiquiDirt Nano Powder
- Pet and kid-safe.
- They grow their own ingredients.
- Microbial, micro-fungi, and vitamin mix.
- pH balanced.
- Over 1,000 absorbable elements.
- No GMOs.
- Doesn’t expire.
LiquiDirt’s organic powder stands out to us because it’s handmade in the USA with 18 natural super ingredients. We’re sure the label will give you a good laugh—it contains ingredients like cricket scat, oyster shell, and bat guano. Despite all that, this fertilizer is odor-free!
If you already think that’s impressive, it doesn’t end there. LiquiDirt uses a Zymology process that turns its 18 ingredients into thousands of beet-healthy absorbable elements. As a result, not only will your beets receive a nutrition boost, but they’ll also benefit from micro-fungi and a balanced pH.
As if it couldn’t get any better, LiquiDirt prices their fertilizer competitively. In fact, because of the Nano’s highly concentrated nature, you can expect it to run you less per square foot than nearly any other chemical and organic fertilizer on the market.
Pros
- Great for houseplants.
- Can be used hydroponically.
- Wide variety of different uses.
Cons
- Requires dilution.
- Not as long lasting as others.
- Packaging can leak.
Soluble Seaweed Powder
- Prevents potash deficiencies.
- Increases seed germination.
- Promotes root development.
- Several enzymes and trance elements.
- An 11 oz can provides 78 gallons of fertilizer.
- Immediate release.
- Boosts leaf chlorophyll levels.
Sometimes you can find the best beet fertilizers in unexpected containers, which is the case with Nature’s Soluble Seaweed Powder. Their 100% all-natural formula uses a high potassium level to stimulate your beet leaves’ chlorophyll content.
As a result, you can expect your beets to establish deeper roots and have a larger yield. Furthermore, this fertilizer has several trace elements and enzymes which supplement beetroot growth.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this Soluble Seaweed Powder is water-soluble, making it easy to offer a boost of potassium when you water your garden. That said, we only recommend using this fertilizer if you already know that your soil has enough nitrogen and phosphorus. Otherwise, it could offset the macronutrient ratio that beets need to thrive.
Pros
- Makes up to 78 gallons.
- Has beneficial enzymes.
- Suitable for all plant types.
Cons
- Generalized formula.
- Requires dilution.
- More expensive than other options.
Miracle-Gro Shake n’ Feed
- Encourages microbe growth.
- It doesn’t burn plants.
- 3-month slow release.
- Natural ingredients.
- Supports root strength.
- Easy to apply.
- Nourishes above and below the soil.
We’re circling back to Miracle-Gro because their Shake n’ Feed is a great option for busy gardeners who don’t have much time to dedicate to fertilizing their beets. By applying Shake n’ Feed, your plants will benefit from a slow but constant 3-month supply of essential nutrients.
Although Shake n’ Feed isn’t organic, it contains many natural ingredients to help beets grow deeper roots and healthier tops. Kelp, earthworm castings, and bone meal are some of its most unique elements.
The Shake n’ Feed comes in a granular form. You simply need to pop open the lid, sprinkle the fertilizer around your plants directly from the container, and gently mix them into the soil with a rake. Water thoroughly. Then, watch as your plants grow larger, more vibrant roots.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Plenty of size options.
- Reputable brand.
Cons
- Generalized fertilizer.
- Can burn if used improperly.
- Lower phosphorus value.
Down to Earth Bone Meal
- Source of calcium and phosphorus.
- Improves soil texture.
- Increases metabolic reactions.
- Better water absorption.
- Stronger roots.
- Balanced formula.
- OMRI listed.
Options are always a good thing to have when you’re looking for the best beet fertilizer, so Down to Earth offers its own bone meal variety. With an OMRI-listed status, you can be sure that any beets you plant will receive nothing but the highest quality organic ingredients.
Their formula contains modest amounts of nitrogen and high amounts of phosphorus and calcium. As a result, the beets you plant will develop stronger roots, helping them grow faster and providing a more nutritious vegetable when you go to eat them.
Down to Earth’s unique formula with an 18% calcium concentration helps beets absorb more water, vitamins, and minerals from the soil. You can use this fertilizer for planting beet seedlings, transplanting, and maturing plants.
Pros
- OMRI certified formula.
- Compostable box.
- US based company.
Cons
- Packaging can be improved.
- Not-budget friendly.
- Single size.
Dr. Earth Home Grown Organic
- GMO-free.
- Microbes and mycorrhizae for healthy roots.
- Feed grade ingredients.
- OMRI certified.
- Helps retain moisture.
- Increases beet growth.
- Slow-release formula.
Everything about Dr. Earth’s Home Grown fertilizer screams high quality. They’ve handcrafted this fertilizer, including their unique mix of TruBiotics. Since Home Grown doesn’t contain sewage sludge or chicken manure, you can expect better-tasting beets.
Your beets will love soaking in this fertilizer’s seven champion strains and probiotics. Furthermore, it contains microbes and ecto and endo mycorrhizae, all of which contribute to strong root growth.
To apply this slow-release powder, mix approximately one cup per 10 square feet into your soil. You can use it every two months throughout the growing season, and your dog is welcome to join you while you do so—it contains pet-safe plants, fish bones, and minerals mined from the earth.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- No GMOs.
- Made for veggies.
Cons
- Smaller package size.
- Only used for vegetables.
- Better for outdoor gardens.
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics
- Instant feed formula.
- Excellent source of nitrogen.
- Guaranteed more bounty.
- OMRI listed.
- Attaches to Miracle-Gro Performance Feeder.
- Ingredients from reused material.
- Suitable for all plants in your garden.
Miracle-Gro recognizes consumer demand for environmentally friendly fertilizers, so they put together their powerful Performance line. Their 11 – 3 – 8 macronutrient ratio means that your beets will receive an exceptional dose of nitrogen and potassium through natural means.
Staying true to Miracle-Gro’s promise, they guarantee that your plants will outperform any unfed plants in size and beauty. Because of the instant feeding nature of this fertilizer, they recommend you apply it to growing beets every seven days.
To use this Performance fertilizer, mix two tablespoons of the granules per one gallon of water. That’ll cover approximately 10 square feet of beets. You should focus on applying this fertilizer around the base of your beetroot greens to optimize the nutrient’s ability to reach its roots.
Pros
- Feeds plants instantly.
- OMRI Listed.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- Smaller package size.
- Requires weekly use.
- Can be smellier than others.
Down to Earth Vegetable Fertilizer
- Equal ratio of macronutrients.
- High calcium concentration.
- Safe for monthly use.
- Pet and child friendly.
- Unique ingredient list.
- OMRI listed.
- Five size options.
It’s always a great sign that fertilizer will help increase your beet yield when the company has a photo of beets right on the box. Down to Earth’s Vegetable Garden 4 – 4 – 4 formula offers soil a low dose and balanced blend of macronutrients.
As an OMRI-listed organic product and coming in a compostable container, this fertilizer is a favorite among environmentalists. This fertilizer’s “superpower” nature allows beets to develop a strong foundation for faster, more beautiful produce.
It’s safe to use Down to Earth throughout the beet growing season. It’s free of growth stimulants, and it contains natural ingredients like feather meal and fishbone meal. As a result, their formula stimulates the microorganisms, fungi, and organic material in your soil so that it naturally produces even more of these beet-healthy compounds.
Pros
- OMRI Listed.
- Balanced formula.
- Made specifically for veggies.
Cons
- More expensive than others.
- Specialized for only veggies.
- Single size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do beets need fertilizer?
Unless your soil naturally contains a rich diversity of nutrients, fertilizer is crucial for beets to develop into large, flavorful vegetables. They especially need a lot of nitrogen and phosphorus. Otherwise, they’ll produce green tops but won’t develop the large roots we eat. Potassium, zinc, and magnesium are other nutrients that beets need.
Is Epsom salt good for beets?
Epsom salt is an excellent item to add to your plants if you notice they have yellow leaves and not a very flavorful root. The magnesium in Epsom salt strengthens a beet’s cell walls, which improves its sweetness and yield. Furthermore, it’ll help beets absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and sulfur.
How often should I fertilize my beets?
Every fertilizer is different, so you should follow the package instructions. However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to treat the soil before planting and at least one more time during the growing season. The five-week mark is often a great time to give beets a boost of nutrients.
Why aren’t my beets growing?
There are several reasons your beets might not be growing, including under or over-fertilizing. Furthermore, beets grow best in a soil pH of 6.5 – 7.5. Therefore, test your soil to see if you need to adjust it. Finally, make sure to plant your them in partial shade, in deep soil, and in an area that drains well.
Do beets need a lot of water?
Beets don’t usually require a lot of water outside of normal rain conditions. However, if you’re fertilizing beets, it’s crucial to pair most varieties with a good dose of water. Otherwise, the nutrients will have a more challenging time seeping into the soil.
Can beets grow too big with fertilizer?
Fertilizer will cause your beets to produce a larger, more bountiful crop quicker than if they didn’t have access to those nutrients. Therefore, you should keep an eye on them to ensure you pick them when they’re still smaller and tender.
Signs that beets have matured too much include:
- Lumpy texture
- Odd shape
- Dull color
Final Thoughts
Our goal was to help you narrow down the best beet fertilizers. But with so many great options here, we don’t blame you if you’re still at a loss for which one to choose.
If that’s the case, we recommend our number one pick, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. What we love about this formula is its instant feed style. That way, if your growing beets start to look lifeless, Miracle-Gro will begin tackling the problem right away. Furthermore, this fertilizer’s high nitrogen content means that your beets will have healthier leaves to grow strong roots.
Now all that’s left to do is toss on some garden gloves and start applying your fertilizer. We guarantee your beets and dinner plate will thank you!
