Turnips are versatile root vegetables that are relatively easy to grow and offer both edible roots and greens. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plant, grow, and care for turnips:
1. Choosing the Right Variety
Turnips come in various varieties. Some popular ones include:
Purple Top White Globe: A common variety with purple-topped roots and white flesh.
Tokyo Cross: A fast-growing hybrid variety.
Hakurei: A type of salad turnip that’s sweet and tender.
Choose a variety based on your climate and what you prefer to eat, whether it’s the root, the greens, or both.
2. When to Plant
Turnips are cool-season crops, best grown in spring and fall. They can tolerate frost, making them ideal for cooler climates.
Spring Planting: Plant seeds 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Fall Planting: Plant seeds about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date.
3. Preparing the Soil
Turnips thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To prepare the soil:
Location: Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade.
Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and remove rocks and debris. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
4. Planting Seeds
Turnip seeds are sown directly into the garden:
Spacing: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, with a spacing of 2-4 inches between seeds. Rows should be 12-18 inches apart.
Thinning: When seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to about 4-6 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
5. Watering and Care
Turnips require consistent moisture for proper growth:
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
Fertilization: If the soil is nutrient-poor, consider applying a balanced fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Turnips can be affected by pests and diseases:
Pests: Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage root maggots. Use row covers to protect young plants, and introduce beneficial insects to control pests naturally.
Diseases: Turnips may be susceptible to clubroot, powdery mildew, or downy mildew. Rotate crops annually to reduce the risk of disease, and ensure good air circulation between plants.
7. Harvesting
Turnips can be harvested at various stages:
For Greens: Harvest the greens when they are 4-6 inches tall. Use them in salads or sauté them as a side dish.
For Roots: Harvest turnips when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter. Smaller turnips are tender and sweet, while larger ones may have a stronger flavor.
Storage: Store turnips in a cool, dry place. Roots can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. You can also store them in a root cellar for longer periods.
8. Conclusion
With proper care and attention, turnips can be a rewarding addition to your garden. Experiment with different varieties and growing methods to find what works best for you. Whether you’re harvesting the roots, the greens, or both, turnips offer a nutritious and tasty addition to your meals.