How to Plant Turnips: A StepbyStep Gardening Guide
How to Plant Turnips?
To plant turnips, choose a full sun location to prevent soil diseases.
Before planting, improve the soil by adding compost or soil improver and breaking up lumps.
Direct sow turnip seeds 5mm deep into damp soil and keep them moist until germination in 7-10 days.
Space seeds 7-10cm apart and thin seedlings if needed.
Fertilize once seedlings reach 10-15cm tall and mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Harvest turnips before they flower for the sweetest and most tender roots.
Turnip leaves are edible and can be harvested while waiting for the roots to develop.
Be aware that slugs and snails can cause damage to seedlings, so use beer traps or slug and snail pellets to protect your crops.
Key Points:
- Choose a full sun location to prevent soil diseases
- Improve soil by adding compost or soil improver and breaking up lumps
- Direct sow turnip seeds 5mm deep into damp soil and keep moist until germination
- Space seeds 7-10cm apart and thin seedlings if needed
- Fertilize once seedlings reach 10-15cm tall and mulch around plants
- Harvest turnips before they flower, and leaves can be harvested while waiting for roots
Did You Know?
1. The ancient Romans were the first to cultivate turnips as a root vegetable specifically for consumption, recognizing their nutritional value and versatility in cooking.
2. Turnips belong to the same family as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, known as the Brassicaceae or mustard family.
3. Turnips have a dual-purpose in gardening, as they are not only grown for their nutritious roots but also for their green leafy tops, which can be cooked and eaten just like spinach or collard greens.
4. Surprisingly, turnips were once considered a symbol of luxury during the Renaissance period, and extravagant feasts often featured turnips as a centerpiece or garnish, especially in England.
5. The world’s largest turnip on record weighed a whopping 39 pounds and was grown in the United Kingdom in 2011. It was so large that it required several people to lift it!
Choosing The Right Spot For Turnips
Turnips are versatile and can be grown in various conditions. Choosing the right spot is essential for their successful growth.
The first step is to select a location that receives full sun. This is important as turnips require adequate sunlight to thrive and prevent soil-borne diseases. A sunny position also helps to keep the soil warm, allowing the seeds to germinate properly.
When selecting a spot for planting turnips, it is important to consider the soil quality as well. Turnips prefer soil that is well-drained, loose, and rich in organic matter. If the soil in your chosen spot is lacking in nutrients or has a heavy texture, it is advisable to improve it before planting.
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Consider the following points when choosing the spot for turnip planting:
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Full sun exposure
- Well-drained, loose soil
- Rich in organic matter
Improving the soil quality can be done by adding compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and improve its nutrient content.
Remember, selecting the right spot with proper sunlight and soil conditions is crucial for the successful growth of turnips.
Preparing The Soil For Planting Turnips
Before planting turnips, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly to create the ideal growing environment. Start by adding compost or soil improver to enrich the soil with essential nutrients. This will help the turnips to grow strong and healthy.
Additionally, breaking up any soil lumps is essential to create a fine, crumbly texture. This allows the roots of the turnip plants to easily penetrate the soil and access the necessary nutrients and water. Use a garden fork or tiller to break up any clumps and ensure that the soil is loose and friable.
Direct Sowing And Germination Of Turnip Seeds
Direct sowing is the most common method of planting turnips. Here’s a step-by-step guide for successful direct sowing:
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Prepare the soil: Before sowing turnip seeds, ensure that the soil is well-prepared. Remove any weeds or debris and loosen the top layer of soil.
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Create furrows: Make shallow furrows in the soil, about 5mm deep. These furrows will serve as the planting rows for the turnip seeds.
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Moisten the soil: Make sure the soil is slightly damp before sowing the seeds. This will help with germination.
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Evenly sow the seeds: Place the turnip seeds evenly along the furrows. Leave a spacing of about 7-10cm between each seed. This will allow enough space for the turnip plants to grow.
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Cover and firm the soil: After placing the seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil. Gently firm down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
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Keep the soil moist: It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist until germination. This usually takes around 7-10 days. Water the planted area regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging.
Following these steps will help you successfully sow turnip seeds and promote healthy germination and growth.
Timing And Harvesting Of Turnip Varieties
Turnips come in various varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and maturity timeframes. Some turnip varieties can be harvested in as little as 35-40 days, while others may take 10-12 weeks to reach maturity. It is important to consider these differences when planning your planting schedule.
To determine the appropriate harvesting time, refer to the specific guidelines provided by the seed supplier or reference material. Harvesting turnips before the plant flowers ensures the sweetest and most tender roots. If the turnip plants are allowed to flower, the roots can become tough and fibrous.
It is also worth noting that turnip leaves can be harvested while waiting for the roots to develop. However, it is important to avoid taking more than 50% of the leaves from a plant at one time, as this can delay root formation.
Protecting Turnips From Slugs And Snails
Slugs and snails pose a significant threat to young turnip seedlings, especially when they are small and vulnerable. To protect your turnip crops from these pests, there are several methods you can employ.
One effective method is the use of slug and snail pellets. These pellets contain chemicals that deter slugs and snails while remaining harmless to the plants and the environment. Scatter the pellets around the turnip plants, following the instructions provided on the packaging.
Alternatively, you can also set up beer traps as a natural defense against slugs and snails. Bury shallow containers in the ground near the turnips, filled with beer. The slugs and snails will be attracted to the beer and eventually drown, reducing the damage they can cause to the turnip seedlings.
Tips For Growing Turnips In Containers
Turnips can also be grown successfully in containers, making them an excellent option for gardeners with limited space. When growing turnips in containers, it is important to choose a container that is at least 40cm deep and has a similar width to allow the roots to develop properly.
Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Use well-draining potting soil specifically formulated for containers to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Water the turnips regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the turnip plants will help suppress weed growth and retain moisture, which is especially important for container-grown turnips.
Harvest the turnips from the container as early as 35 days, or wait until they have reached maturity, which is typically 6-10 weeks, depending on the variety. Enjoy the rewards of your container-grown turnips, and don’t forget to use the edible turnip leaves in your culinary endeavors.
planting and growing turnips successfully is a rewarding experience. By choosing the right spot with full sun exposure, preparing the soil adequately, sowing the seeds correctly, and protecting the plants from slugs and snails, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious turnips.
- Turnips can be grown in containers
- Choose a container at least 40cm deep
- Container should have adequate drainage holes
- Use well-draining potting soil
- Water turnips regularly
- Apply organic mulch for weed suppression and moisture retention
- Harvest turnips as early as 35 days or wait for maturity
- Utilize edible turnip leaves
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you grow perfect turnips?
To grow perfect turnips, it is essential to provide optimal growing conditions. Similar to radishes, small turnips thrive when they are grown quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to sow them into a layer of well-rotted compost mixed with sand, especially if the soil is heavy. Turnips prefer rich, well-drained conditions, and as the old adage suggests, they appreciate a dry bed and a wet head. A balance of a dry soil base and consistent moisture on their foliage ensures the ideal environment for turnips to flourish. By creating the right growing conditions, one can achieve the utmost perfection in their turnip harvest.
How long do turnips take to grow?
Turnips are known for their impressive growth rate, with early varieties reaching harvest-ready stage in as little as six weeks, while maincrop turnips typically take around ten weeks to mature. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on the specific growing conditions. For the best flavor, it is advisable to harvest turnips when they are still small, as they tend to become woody and bitter if left to grow larger than a tennis ball.
Where do turnips grow best?
Turnips thrive in regions with ample sunlight and moderate temperatures, typically between 40° to 75°F. To create the optimal growing environment, it is important to prepare the soil accordingly. It is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and incorporate 2 to 4 inches of aged manure and/or compost. In areas with heavy, clay soil, additional amendments may be necessary to enhance drainage, ensuring the turnips reach their full potential.
What makes turnips grow faster?
In addition to sunlight and nutrient-rich soil, proper watering can facilitate the faster growth of turnips. Maintaining adequate moisture levels is crucial, especially during the initial stages of growth. By providing consistent and regular watering, you ensure that the turnip seeds germinate and establish roots more effectively. Additionally, avoiding overwatering or drought stress will help promote steady growth and prevent the formation of woody or stunted turnips. With ample sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and careful watering, turnips are more likely to thrive and grow at an accelerated rate.