Removed the row covers, that protected our beets into the fall, and the weeds were thriving underneath. Unfortunately they are not an edible species. I removed them promptly. One of the keys to successful weeding is to weed early and often. Keeping on top of the weeds before they are able to become even more established. Use caution when the ground may still be frozen in parts. If the ground is still frozen you may rip the foliage off the plant, leaving the roots in the ground. It would be better to wait until you can remove as much as the roots as possible.