How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Market Express’ Turnips: A Complete Guide

If you’re looking to grow a fast-maturing and tasty vegetable in your garden, the ‘Market Express’ turnip is a fantastic choice. Known for its crisp texture and mild flavor, this variety of turnip is perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to plant, grow, and care for ‘Market Express’ turnips to ensure a healthy and productive harvest.

What Are ‘Market Express’ Turnips?

‘Market Express’ turnips are a hybrid variety that matures quickly, typically within 30 to 40 days, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who want a fast-growing crop. The bulbs are round, white, and tender, with a smooth skin and a subtle, sweet flavor. The greens are also edible and have a slightly spicy taste, similar to mustard greens.

Planting ‘Market Express’ Turnips

1. Choose the Right Location: Turnips thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny, raised bed or garden plot is ideal.
2. Prepare the Soil: Turnips prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve its texture and nutrient content. You can also mix in a balanced fertilizer to ensure healthy growth.
3. Planting Seeds: Plant ‘Market Express’ turnip seeds directly in the garden. Sow the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them 1 to 2 inches apart. If you’re planting in rows, space the rows about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper root development.
4. Timing: Turnips are a cool-season crop. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In cooler climates, they can also be grown in the fall for a winter harvest.

Growing ‘Market Express’ Turnips

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Turnips need regular watering to produce tender, crisp roots. Water them deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
2. Thin Seedlings: Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out to 3 to 4 inches apart to give each plant enough space to grow. This will help prevent overcrowding and ensure the turnips develop properly.
3. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, especially if the soil lacks nutrients. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of root development, so use a fertilizer designed for root vegetables.
4. Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature. Use organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, for best results.

Caring for ‘Market Express’ Turnips

1. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. These insects can damage the plants and reduce your yield. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for organic pest control, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to help control pests naturally.
2. Weed Management: Weeds can compete with your turnips for nutrients and space, so regularly remove them by hand or use a hoe to keep the bed weed-free.
3. Harvesting: ‘Market Express’ turnips grow quickly and are ready to harvest in as little as 30 to 40 days. Harvest the turnips when they reach about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Gently pull the bulbs from the ground by hand, or use a fork to loosen the soil around the roots.
4. Caring for Turnip Greens: Don’t forget the greens! Turnip greens are delicious and nutritious. Harvest the leaves once the plants are established, but leave the main plant intact so it can continue growing.

Common Problems with Turnips and How to Solve Them

• Yellowing Leaves: This could be a sign of nutrient deficiency, particularly a lack of nitrogen. Apply a balanced fertilizer and ensure the plants are getting enough water.
• Root Rot: If your turnips are waterlogged or planted in poorly-draining soil, they may develop root rot. Improve drainage and avoid over-watering.
• Small or Misshapen Roots: This often happens when turnips are overcrowded or the soil isn’t loose enough for the roots to expand. Thin seedlings early and ensure the soil is well-amended.

Harvesting and Storing ‘Market Express’ Turnips

Once harvested, you can store ‘Market Express’ turnips in a cool, dry place. If you’re not planning to eat them right away, store them in the refrigerator. Turnip roots can last for up to a month when properly stored, and the greens should be used within a week.

To extend the shelf life, you can also preserve turnips by freezing them. Simply peel, chop, and blanch the roots before placing them in freezer bags.

Conclusion

Growing ‘Market Express’ turnips is a rewarding and simple process, perfect for gardeners looking for a quick crop. By following these steps to plant, grow, and care for your turnips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious vegetables. Whether you eat them fresh, roasted, or as part of a stew, turnips are a versatile addition to your garden and kitchen.