Turnips are gaining popularity as a versatile and beginner-friendly vegetable for home gardeners. With their quick growth, dual-purpose roots and greens, and adaptability to cool seasons, turnips are perfect for those starting their gardening journey. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to grow turnips successfully, from planting to harvesting, along with tips to maximize their yield and flavor.

Choosing the Right Turnip Varieties

Here are some beginner-friendly turnip varieties with unique flavors and growing times:

Hakurei

A Japanese variety with tender, sweet roots that mature in just 38 days. Perfect for salads.

Scarlet Queen

Vibrant red-skinned turnips with a mild taste, ready in 43 days.

Purple Top White Globe

A classic turnip with a sweet, earthy flavor, maturing in 50 days.

What Makes Turnips a Great Choice for Your Garden?

Turnips are fast-growing root vegetables, ideal for both their edible roots and nutritious greens. Their roots come in various colors: white, yellow, purple, or green as well as sizes, making them a visually appealing and practical addition to your garden. Best of all, turnips thrive in cool weather, giving you two growing seasons: spring and fall.

Turnips are versatile in the kitchen as well. Use their tender roots in soups, roasts, or raw in salads, and sauté their greens for a nutrient-rich side dish. Their short growing cycle makes them perfect for gardeners eager to see quick results.

How to Grow Turnips

1. Optimal Planting Time

• Cooler climates: Plant from early spring to late summer for a fall harvest.
• Warmer climates: Focus on late summer or early spring planting to avoid the hottest months.

2. Soil Preparation for Turnips

• Turnips prefer loose, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
• Incorporate organic matter or compost to improve drainage and fertility.
• Avoid recently fertilized brassica beds to prevent disease carryover.

3. Planting Seeds

• Sow seeds directly into the soil about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
• Once seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to allow for root development.
• For container gardening, choose pots at least 12 inches deep and wide.

Caring for Turnips

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist with about 1 inch of water per week. Drip irrigation is ideal.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced fertilizer like 5-10-10 at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to encourage root growth instead of leafy tops.

Weed Control and Mulching

Mulch with straw, leaves, or grass clippings to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Turnips

• When to Harvest: Roots are ready when they’re 2-4 inches in diameter (typically 35-70 days after planting). Check for slight protrusion from the soil.
• For Sweeter Roots: Harvest after a light frost in fall to enhance their sweetness, as frost converts starches to sugars.
• Storing Turnips: Keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, blanch and freeze roots.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

• Flea Beetles: Cover seedlings with row covers and use diatomaceous earth to deter them.
• Root Maggots: Rotate crops and apply beneficial nematodes to the soil.
• Aphids: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Disease Prevention

• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soilborne diseases.
• Ensure proper spacing for air circulation to reduce fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Companion Planting for Turnips

Companion planting can boost turnip growth and deter pests. Consider pairing turnips with:

• Peas and Beans: Improve soil nitrogen levels.
• Onions and Garlic: Repel harmful insects.
• Lettuce and Spinach: Share space efficiently without competing for resources.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Bolting: If your turnips start flowering, they’ve likely been exposed to warm temperatures or stress. Plant in cooler weather and harvest promptly to avoid bolting.
• Small or Deformed Roots: Overcrowding or poor soil conditions can hinder root development. Thin seedlings properly and ensure soil is well-prepared.

Turnip Greens: A Bonus Crop

Don’t overlook turnip greens! These leafy tops are rich in vitamins and add a peppery flavor to salads and stews. Harvest greens sparingly, leaving enough foliage for root development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to plant turnips?
A: Turnips grow best in cool weather. In cooler climates, plant them from early spring to late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer regions, opt for late summer or early spring planting to avoid the hottest months.

Q: How do I prepare soil for growing turnips?
A: Turnips thrive in loose, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Mix in organic matter or compost to improve soil drainage and fertility, and avoid planting turnips in beds that recently hosted other brassicas.

Q: How do I know when my turnips are ready for harvest?
A: Turnips are typically ready to harvest 35-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Look for roots that are 2-4 inches in diameter and slightly protruding from the soil.

Q: What are common pests that affect turnips, and how can I manage them?
A: Common pests include flea beetles, root maggots, and aphids. Use row covers to protect seedlings, rotate crops to prevent soilborne pests, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.

Q: Can I grow turnips in containers?
A: Yes! Use a container at least 12 inches deep and wide, filled with quality potting mix. Ensure consistent watering and fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage healthy root development.

Final Thoughts: Turnips: A Fast and Easy Crop for Your Garden

Turnips are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, offering quick rewards for beginner gardeners. With minimal effort, you can enjoy delicious roots and greens while enhancing your gardening skills.

Have you tried growing turnips? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below. Let’s grow together and learn from each other!