I planted beets in a home garden about 5 weeks ago. I have dug up a few to see how they are doing. The beet greens look great and are about 6-7 inches tall, but when I dug down to see how the root vegetable was doing, they look under developed. Could my soil be too sandy? How big should the beet root be by now? Should I fertilize them a second time?
the sandy soil is ideal,beets love and need lime lots of lime sound to me like a shortage of lime.lime them up youll do better
Can I plant beet seeds indoors and then transplant them into the garden in spring?
Yes, they can be started indoors and then put out later as long as the soil is at least 40 degrees F. They like to be cool. This article will explain how to grow beets: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/growing-beets.htm
My red beets have been growing about 2 months now and the leaves are doing great, but the "beets" underneath are really tiny. I have grown them in this area previously and they've done fine; but not this year. Can't figure out why. Any ideas?
It is likely a phosphorous deficiency or too much nitrogen. Both lead to big leaves, little roots. Add some bone meal (add phosphorous) to the soil before you plant another crop. You should also get your soil tested to see how much of an imbalance there is.
What is the best way to keep mice from eating my beets?
You might want to try mesh cages made from chicken wire or some people use plastic strawberry containers that you buy strawberries in. You can set these over the plants and it helps keep them away. This article will also help:
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/anmalpests.htm
When should I plant beets in my garden?
When the temps in your area stay around 60F during the day and do not drop below 40F at night, you can start planting beets. Plant new seeds every 3 weeks or so and that will keep you in beets regularly.
My beet roots have good healthy foliage but the bulb is a pale red or nearly pink color and the flavor is not what it should be.
It could be that the plant has too much nitrogen. This can cause rapid growth, but causes the flavor to be less concentrated. Add more phosphorus in the future to counter this.
What is the best way to grow beet root and white Lisbon spring onion?
These articles will help you:
Onions:
http://nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/world-peas-food-hub/world-peas-csa/produce-recipes/spring-onion
Beets
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/growing-beets.htm