Robert Cardillo
Turnips are one of thebest types of root vegetablesto grow in your garden.
This annual comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Where to Plant Turnips
Plant turnips either in garden beds or large containers.
Credit:Robert Cardillo
Plant turnip in early spring or late summer to take advantage of cool soil temperatures.
For spring plantings: Sow seeds three weeks beforeyour areas last frost date in spring.
This will give you an early summer turnip harvest.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Turnip Care Tips
Turnips are easy to grow.
The seeds germinate fast, and the plants aren’t very demanding.
For best results, thin turnip seedlings to 34 inches apart when they are 4 inches tall.
Credit: Scott Little
The thinnings can be eaten as microgreens.
Light
Turnips grow best infull sun.
Soil and Water
Turnips thrive in fertile, well-drained soil.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Before planting turnips, add a 2-inch-thick layer ofcompost to the growing locationto create a foundation for vigorous plants.
The more the soil dries out, the more pungent flavor the turnips will take on.
Avoid splashing water onto the leaves as much as possible toprevent leaf diseases.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
Cool weather is the key to growing flavorful turnips.
Plant turnip seeds in early spring or late summer to take advantage of cool soil temperatures.
Warm temperatures cause turnips to acquire a bitter flavor.
Turnip roots can be stored for two to four months at 35F in a high-humidity location.
Potting and Repotting Turnips
Turnips are among thebest vegetables to grow in potsbecause theyre easy to grow.
Fill the container with potting soil and sow turnip seeds 12 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist by applying at least 1 inch of water per week.
Pests and Problems
Rotate your turnip cropsto avoid diseases like club root, anthracnose, androot rot.
Dont plant turnips in the same location more than once every three years.
Aphids andflea beetlesare the two primary insect pests of turnips.
it’s possible for you to control these pests with strong sprays of water or by applying insecticidal soap.
Marty Baldwin
Harvesting Tips
To harvest turnips, pull them when they reach your preferred size.
The most tender and sweet turnips are harvested when they are 2 inches or less in diameter.
Harvest only a few greens from the turnips you are growing for winter storage.
Types of Turnips
Turnips come in several shapes, sizes, and colors.
However, the younger/smaller the root, the better the flavor.
It is an excellent candidate for a fall crop because it is ready for harvest in 42 days.
Its 3-to 4-inch round root has tender, crisp, white flesh.
It is ready for harvest in 50 days.
Scarlet Queen
Give your salad a spark of color with Scar;et Queen turnips.
This slightly flattened, red-skinned turnip has mild and sweet white flesh and red stems.
It is ready for harvest in 43 days.
These turnips are ready for harvest in 38 days.
Turnip Companion Plants
Several other cool-season vegetables make good companions for turnips.
Plant spinach in between turnip rows to suppress weeds.
Peas
Peasand turnips complement one another in the garden.
Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas.
Thyme
Thymeand other fragrant herbs attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Planting them near turnip plants attracts bees and other pollinators necessary for a healthy crop.
Both the roots and greens of the turnip plant are safe to eat.
Prep turnip greens for cooking by washing them in cold water.
Drain well in a colander and cut off the stems.
Tear the leaves into pieces.
Cook the greens by bringing a small amount of lightly salted water to boiling in a Dutch oven.
Add the greens and cover the pan.
Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
Drain the greens well in a colander.
If desired, toss with 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
