How to Grow Turnips

Introduction

Overview of Turnip Varieties

Turnips are grown for two purposes: their edible roots and nutrient-packed greens. Popular varieties include:

1. Purple Top White Globe: A classic turnip with a purple top and crisp white flesh, great for cooking.
2. Hakurei: A Japanese variety prized for its sweet, mild flavor and tender texture, often eaten raw.
3. Seven Top: Known for its vibrant, nutrient-rich greens, this variety is grown primarily for its foliage.
4. Golden Ball: A smaller variety with a golden-yellow flesh, offering a sweeter taste.

Nutritional and Culinary Benefits

Turnips are not just easy to grow but also packed with health benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Low-Calorie: Great for weight-conscious diets.
• Culinary Uses: Turnips can be roasted, mashed, pickled, or eaten raw. Their greens are ideal for sautéing or adding to soups.

Planting Turnips

Best Seasons for Planting

• Spring Planting: Sow seeds 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Turnips grow best in cool weather.
• Fall Planting: Plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost for a late-season harvest.

Soil Preparation and Amendments

• Soil Type: Turnips prefer loose, well-draining soil with good organic content.
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is ideal.
• Preparation: Incorporate compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. Remove rocks and clumps to allow roots to develop properly.

Seed Spacing and Planting Depth

• Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
• Depth: Plant seeds ¼-½ inch deep. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they are 2-3 inches tall to prevent overcrowding.

Caring for Turnip Plants

Watering Schedule

• Turnips need consistent moisture to develop tender roots. Water 1-1.5 inches per week, adjusting for rainfall.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Fertilization and Thinning Seedlings

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting to support early growth.
• Thin seedlings promptly to reduce competition and allow roots to grow evenly.

Managing Weeds

• Turnips are shallow-rooted and can be outcompeted by weeds. Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

1. Flea Beetles: Create small holes in leaves, stunting growth.
2. Root Maggots: Burrow into roots, causing deformities.
3. Aphids: Cluster on leaves and stems, sucking sap and weakening plants.

Companion Planting

• Good Companions: Peas, onions, and garlic deter pests and improve soil health.
• Avoid Planting Near: Other brassicas like cabbage or broccoli, which attract similar pests.

Organic and Chemical Pest Control Methods

• Organic Solutions: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage aphids and flea beetles. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants to deter root maggots.
• Preventive Measures: Rotate crops annually to avoid soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Chemical Control: Apply pesticides labeled for turnip pests, following all safety instructions.

How to Grow Turnips in Containers

Turnips are well-suited for container gardening, especially smaller varieties:

• Choose the Right Container: Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes.
• Soil: Fill with a loose, nutrient-rich potting mix amended with compost.
• Planting: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart for proper root development.
• Watering: Water regularly, as container soil dries out faster than garden beds.
• Benefits: Growing turnips in containers allows for better pest control and mobility to optimize sunlight exposure.

Harvesting Turnips

Recognizing Maturity for Roots and Greens

• Roots: Most turnip varieties are ready to harvest 30-60 days after planting. Look for roots that are 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Greens: Harvest greens when they are young and tender, around 4-6 inches tall.

Proper Harvesting Techniques

• For roots, loosen the soil with a garden fork or trowel before pulling the turnip by its greens.
• Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut greens, leaving 1-2 inches of stem to allow the plant to regrow.

Storing and Preserving Turnips

• Short-Term Storage: Store unwashed turnip roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Long-Term Storage: Keep roots in a cool, dark, and humid environment, such as a root cellar, for several months.
• Preserving Greens: Blanch and freeze turnip greens for later use.

FAQs

How Long Do Turnips Take to Grow?

• Turnips take 30-60 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Can Turnips Grow in Containers?

• Yes, turnips grow well in containers. Ensure the container is at least 12 inches deep and provide regular watering and nutrients.

What Causes Turnips to Become Woody?

• Woody turnips are often a result of delayed harvesting, high temperatures, or inconsistent watering. Harvest roots when they are young and tender for the best texture.

How to Prevent Pest Infestations on Turnips?

• Use row covers to protect young plants from pests like flea beetles and root maggots.
• Practice crop rotation and companion planting to reduce pest populations naturally.

Turnips are a versatile and nutritious crop that’s easy to grow and highly rewarding. Whether you’re planting them in garden beds, containers, or companion planting setups, this guide provides all the tips and techniques for a successful harvest. Happy gardening!