CHAPTER XIII 
GROWING SUGAR BEETS AND MANGELS 
SUGAR beets are now abundantly grown in America for the 
production of sugar. A number of very large sugar factories are 
annually supplied with beets for sugar production. Sugar from 
this source made in the United States far exceeds that from 
sugar cane, 
Regions of Growth.—Sugar beets will grow in all parts of 
the United States successfully. To a limited extent they are grown 
for use for livestock, but the growth of the crop for sugar purposes 
is profitable only in regions not far distant from beet sugar 
factories. The leading states in this regard mentioned in order 
are Colorado, California, Michigan, Utah, Idaho, Wisconsin. A 
number of other states have one or two factories each. These extend 
from the eastern seaboard to the Pacific. 
Soils and Climates for Sugar Beets.—Sugar beets endure the 
cold of spring and fall and also the heat of summer fairly well. 
They are, therefore, adapted to a wide range of climate. 
Soils of a loamy or sandy loam nature are best suited to the 
growth of sugar beets. Good yields are produced on soils having 
considerable clay or those with clay subsoils. A good percentage 
of organic matter in the surface soil is very beneficial in main- 
taining soil moisture during the growing season. 
Thorough preparation of soil is necessary to success. On fields 
which will not wash badly after fall plowing, it is well to plow 
the ground in late fall and then disk it and harrow it in early 
spring. Where cover crops are grown they should be plowed under 
rather early in the spring, as green manure. This will greatly 
benefit the beet crop. A bare-fallow period of three or four weeks 
between plowing and planting times should be planned. During 
this period harrow the soil at least twice to cause the germination 
of weed seeds and kill their sprouts. This will leave the field rather 
free from danger of weeds and save tedious tasks of weeding after 
the beets are growing. Clods and rubbish should be eliminated 
so far as possible. A plank-drag may be used just before planting 
the seed. 
Varieties.—Sugar beet seeds are chiefly imported from Euro- 
pean countries. Little seed is grown in the United States. There 
are several varieties differing in shape, size and color of roots. Any 
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