How to Grow Turnips: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Grow Turnips?
To grow turnips, start by sowing turnip seeds in early spring or late summer in well-prepared, moist but well-drained soil.
Water the plants well during dry weather and thin them according to the desired size of turnip.
Sow turnips at different times of the year for different crops – early turnips can be sown in February, maincrop turnips from July to August, and turnip tops in closer rows.
Protect turnips from pests and diseases with mesh or horticultural fleece, and use regular fertilization to help plants withstand pests.
Harvest turnip roots when they are young and small, as larger turnips can become woody and bitter.
Turnips can store well and are traditionally a winter staple.
Key Points:
- Sow turnip seeds in early spring or late summer in well-prepared, moist but well-drained soil
- Water the plants well during dry weather and thin them according to desired size
- Sow turnips at different times of the year for different crops
- Protect turnips from pests and diseases with mesh or horticultural fleece
- Harvest turnip roots when they are young and small to avoid woody and bitter taste
- Turnips can store well and are traditionally a winter staple
Did You Know?
1. Turnips have been cultivated for over 4,000 years and were initially grown for their nutritious leaves rather than their roots.
2. Did you know that turnips were once used as a natural remedy for bee stings? Applying a slice of turnip to a bee sting was believed to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3. The world record for the heaviest turnip ever grown weighs a whopping 85 pounds and was grown in the United Kingdom in 2016.
4. In Ancient Greece, turnips held symbolic meaning and were associated with the god of agriculture, Demeter. They were often used in rituals and festivals dedicated to her.
5. The practice of “singling” turnips involves removing extra seedlings to provide space for the remaining plants to grow. This process is crucial in ensuring healthy and developed turnip roots.
Introduction to Growing Turnips
Turnips, a member of the Brassica family, are versatile and easy to grow. These nutritious root vegetables can be harvested throughout the winter months and make a delightful addition to various dishes. Whether you prefer them as a side vegetable, roasted, or added to stews, growing turnips in your garden is a rewarding experience.
To begin, it is important to sow turnip seeds in either early spring or late summer. Choose a well-prepared, moist, and well-drained soil for optimum growth. Adequate watering is essential, especially during dry weather conditions. Additionally, thinning the plants according to the desired size of the turnips is necessary. For larger turnips, consider spacing them up to 23cm apart.
- Sow turnip seeds in early spring or late summer
- Choose a well-prepared, moist, and well-drained soil
- Adequate watering is essential, especially during dry weather conditions
- Thin the plants according to the desired size of the turnips
- For larger turnips, consider spacing them up to 23cm apart.
Sowing and Watering Turnips
To successfully grow turnips, it is crucial to understand the appropriate sowing techniques and watering requirements. Turnips can be sown at different times of the year to produce various types of crops: early turnips, maincrop turnips, and turnip tops.
For early turnips, direct sowing in the soil can take place as early as February. However, a second sowing is also possible from March to June. The maincrop turnips should be sown between July and August to ensure a bountiful harvest. To cultivate turnip tops, seeds should be sown in closer rows, approximately 15cm apart from each other.
For optimal growth, turnips require regular watering, particularly during dry weather. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but be cautious not to overwater, as it may lead to rotting. Thinning the plants according to the desired turnip size will promote healthy growth and help conserve moisture in the soil.
Different Types of Turnip Crops
There are various types of turnip crops that can be grown depending on the time of year and personal preference. Early turnips are typically sown in February, while maincrop turnips are sown from July to August.
Early turnips are ideal for those who prefer smaller and tender roots. They can be harvested directly from the soil and are ready to eat within as little as six weeks. Maincrop turnips, on the other hand, require approximately ten weeks to reach their full maturity. These larger turnips provide a more substantial harvest.
Additionally, turnip tops can be cultivated for their leafy greens. These can be harvested alongside the roots or separately as a cut-and-come-again crop. Young turnip leaves have a peppery flavor and can be enjoyed raw, while larger leaves can be cooked similarly to spinach.
Protecting Turnips from Pests and Diseases
Like most plants, turnips are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Cabbage root fly, flea beetle, powdery mildew, and club root disease are common threats to turnip crops. However, preventive measures can be taken to ensure a healthy harvest.
To protect turnips from cabbage root fly, the use of mesh or horticultural fleece is advised. These physical barriers help prevent the flies from laying their eggs near the plant’s roots. Similarly, horticultural fleece, along with moist soil, can deter flea beetles. Regular watering and fertilization can also strengthen the plants, making them more resistant to pests.
While powdery mildew can be prevented by keeping the plants adequately watered, there is no known cure for club root disease. It is essential to avoid growing turnips in soil previously affected by this disease. By improving soil drainage and increasing alkalinity through the addition of lime, you can discourage the development of club root.
Preventive measures for turnip pests and diseases:
- Use mesh or horticultural fleece to protect against cabbage root fly
- Deter flea beetles with horticultural fleece and moist soil
- Regular watering and fertilization for increased plant resistance
- Keep plants adequately watered to prevent powdery mildew
- Avoid growing turnips in soil previously affected by club root disease
- Improve soil drainage and increase alkalinity with lime to discourage club root development.
Harvesting Turnip Roots and Leafy Greens
The timing of turnip harvest is crucial to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Turnip roots should be harvested when they are young and small, approximately the size of a golf ball. Larger maincrop turnips can be harvested as needed, but their taste and texture diminish as they grow older.
When harvesting turnip roots, gently lift them with a garden fork or similar tool to avoid damaging the crop. It is important to note that if turnip roots grow larger than a tennis ball, they can become woody and bitter.
Furthermore, turnip tops, or leaves, can be harvested along with the roots or separately. Young tender leaves can be consumed raw and add a peppery kick to salads. When the leaves grow larger, they can be cooked similarly to spinach or other leafy greens. It is crucial not to harvest an excessive number of leaves from each plant as it may hinder root growth.
- Harvest turnip roots when young and small, approximately the size of a golf ball
- Use a garden fork or similar tool to gently lift turnip roots during harvest
- Larger turnip roots can become woody and bitter
- Turnip tops can be eaten raw in salads when young and tender
- When turnip tops grow larger, they can be cooked like spinach
- Be mindful not to harvest too many leaves, as it may impede root growth
“The timing of turnip harvest is crucial to ensure optimal flavor and texture.”
Storing and Using Turnip Harvests
One of the advantages of growing turnips is their ability to store well, making them a traditional winter staple. To store turnips, remove any excess soil and place them in trays filled with moist coir or sand. Store these trays in a cool, frost-free location.
In mild regions, turnips can be left in the ground for winter harvests. Protect them from the elements with cloches or horticultural fleece and enjoy fresh turnips even during colder months.
Utilizing turnip harvests is a culinary adventure. These versatile vegetables can be roasted, added to stews, or enjoyed as a side vegetable. Furthermore, growing nasturtiums with turnips can help draw cabbage white butterflies away from the crops, while mint can deter flea beetles.
In conclusion, growing turnips is a fantastic introduction to vegetable gardening. Whether you are a beginner or experienced gardener, turnips can offer a bountiful harvest, nourishing both your body and soul. Enjoy the process, experiment with different varieties, and savor the delicious flavors of homegrown turnips throughout the year.
- Turnips store well, making them a traditional winter staple.
- Leave turnips in the ground for winter harvests in mild regions.
- Protect turnips with cloches or horticultural fleece in colder months.
- Versatile turnips can be roasted or added to stews.
- Growing nasturtiums with turnips helps draw away cabbage white butterflies.
- Mint can deter flea beetles when grown with turnips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow a turnip?
Turnips are an impressive example of nature’s efficiency as they quickly reach maturity. The growth time span for turnips can vary depending on several factors, including the specific variety and growing conditions. While some early varieties can be ready to harvest in as little as six weeks, maincrop turnips typically take around ten weeks to develop fully. However, regardless of the variety, the optimal time to harvest turnips is when they are still small and bursting with flavor. This fast growth rate makes turnips a delightful addition to any garden, providing a delicious and satisfying crop in a relatively short period.
What is the best month to plant turnips?
The ideal month to plant turnips would depend on the desired crop – spring or fall. For a spring crop, it is recommended to start planting turnips around April 15. This timing allows the turnips to grow and mature during the favorable spring weather conditions. However, for a fall crop, it is best to wait until August 1 to begin planting turnips. By doing so, the turnips will have enough time to develop and be ready for harvesting as the weather transitions into the cool fall season. Additionally, if you are considering planting rutabagas for a fall crop, the optimal time would be between late May and early June. This planting period allows rutabagas to have a longer growing season while still maturing in cool weather, which is crucial for their development.
How do you grow perfect turnips?
To grow perfect turnips, it’s essential to provide them with optimal growing conditions. Start by preparing a well-drained bed enriched with a blend of well-rotted compost and sand, particularly if you have heavy soil. This will ensure that the turnips have access to rich nutrients while still allowing excess moisture to drain away. As the old adage suggests, remember to keep the bed relatively dry for the roots and provide ample moisture to the leafy greens, symbolizing a “dry bed and a wet head” – the key to nurturing turnips to their full potential. By maintaining this balance, you’re more likely to grow flourishing and flawless turnips in no time.
What are the tips for planting turnips?
When it comes to planting turnips, timing and soil preparation are key. It is best to sow turnip seeds either in early spring or late summer, ensuring that the soil is well-prepared and moist, yet well-drained. To promote healthy growth, regular watering is essential, especially during dry weather. Additionally, thinning the plants based on the desired size of turnips is important, with spacing of up to 23cm apart recommended for larger turnips. For optimal flavor and tenderness, it is advised to harvest the turnips when they are young and small.