It would be quite rare to have no boron in any soil so I wouldn't worry about that part. Avoiding excess nitrogen and the spacing is the real issue for root development.

The problem with seed spacing is that beet seeds are cluster seeds - each seed is really multiple seeds. So you have to thin plants anyway. Sure you can plant in wide rows and on 4-6" centers but you will still have to thin each cluster to a single plant.

I use 4" spacing for the seeds and then thin as needed.

Dave

Byrd2park I will check out that book thanks for the suggestion. Dave, I have had trouble with root crops-I will be sure to thin beets and get them 4-6" apart. radishes didn't bulb either-cherry belles 3" apart and I didn't fertilize either. I really like root crops so I want to get this right. I just planted parsnips and rutabagas too. Do u fertilize root crops at all?

"Do u fertilize root crops at all?"

Beets and radishes get nothing other than the compost I add each fall and spring. Except for potatoes and onions. They are exceptions. I don't do carrots anymore and hate parsnips. ;-)

Dave

My very sandy soil built up now by years of compost and organic soil amendments had a lot of trouble with root crops. I still side dress with Root Crops Alive from Gardens Alive and have been very pleased with the results.

I have acid soil and beets seem to need more lime. Carrots need plenty of moisture for germination and then good thinning. I agree with planting in a wide row. I agree with Dave about beet spacing. If I don't thin properly, I end up with smaller beets, some is small disfigured clusters. I try to add an inch or more of aged horse or cow manure each year. Original beds were built lasagna style and now I have loads of earth worms. I always think I'm going to thin beets and enjoy the greens but don't always thin them enough. I have to be ruthless with carrots.