I am trying beets (Early Wonder) for the first time this year in a raised bed for my garden. The UF planting guide calls for 3-5" between beets and 14-24" between rows. I read in my Square Foot Gardening book that Mel recommends spacing them 3" between beets both ways to fit a total of 16 beets in a 12" square.

1. Why does the UF guide call for 14-24" between rows but extremely close between beets? Can I space them closer without any issue? Does the UF guide assume I am planting in a field that needs walking space?

2. If I chose to space the beets 5 or 6" apart both ways and let them grow bigger, will the beet still have a sweet taste at the bigger size? Or is a 3" beet optimum for flavor?

3. For those that have grown them closely spaced, have you experienced any excessive pest problems? If not, what did you find your optimum spacing was?

Thank you for your time!