Ann wanted to know if there was a yield benefit to growing four-row compared to three-row beets in a three foot bed system. She also wanted to investigate whether there is a difference in labour required for weeding and disease pressure between the two systems.

In a Nutshell

• Using an Earthway seeder with no thinning, Ann found no difference in beet yield between three-row and four-row plantings.
• Ann observed three-row beets were less labour intensive for weeding and that she could use time-saving tools like a wheel hoe longer into the season.