Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that are easy to grow and thrive in cool weather. Both the roots and greens are edible, making turnips a dual-purpose crop that’s perfect for soups, salads, and side dishes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, here’s a complete guide to growing turnips successfully in your backyard.
1. Choose the Right Turnip Variety
Different turnip varieties offer a range of sizes, flavors, and growing times.
Popular Turnip Types:
- Purple Top White Globe: Classic variety with sweet, crisp roots.
- Tokyo Cross: Quick-growing and mild in flavor, ideal for baby turnips.
- Golden Ball: Richly flavored yellow roots with a smooth texture.
- Seven Top: Grown primarily for its tender greens.
Select a variety based on your growing goals and climate.
2. Understand Turnips’ Growing Requirements
Turnips thrive in cool weather and are a fast-maturing crop.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Temperature: Best grown in 50-70°F (10-21°C).
- Sunlight: Prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Thrive in loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Avoid planting turnips in hot weather, as it can cause roots to become tough and woody.
3. Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is essential for smooth, tender turnip roots.
Soil Preparation Tips:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to allow roots to develop fully.
- Remove rocks, clumps, and debris to prevent misshapen roots.
- Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Raised beds or well-prepared garden plots work best for turnips.
4. Plant Turnip Seeds at the Right Time
Turnips are typically direct-seeded in the garden.
Planting Timeline:
- Spring Planting: Sow seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
- Fall Planting: Plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.
For continuous harvests, sow new seeds every 2 weeks during the growing season.
5. Sow Seeds Correctly
Proper planting ensures healthy, uniform turnips.
How to Plant Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently to keep the soil moist.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they sprout to prevent overcrowding.
Thinning is essential to allow roots to grow properly.
6. Water Regularly
Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnip roots and greens.
Watering Tips:
- Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.
- Water deeply and evenly to encourage root development.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause roots to split or become bitter.
7. Fertilize Sparingly
Turnips benefit from nutrient-rich soil but don’t require heavy feeding.
Fertilizing Tips:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) before planting.
- Side-dress with compost or potassium-rich fertilizer midway through the growing season.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of roots.
Healthy soil often eliminates the need for additional fertilization.
8. Protect Turnips from Pests and Diseases
Turnips are relatively hardy but can face challenges from pests and diseases.
Common Pests:
- Flea Beetles: Cover plants with row covers or use neem oil.
- Aphids: Spray with soapy water or introduce ladybugs as natural predators.
- Root Maggots: Rotate crops and avoid planting turnips in the same spot yearly.
Common Diseases:
- Downy Mildew: Ensure proper spacing and avoid overhead watering.
- Clubroot: Maintain soil pH above 6.5 to prevent this fungal disease.
Regular monitoring and crop rotation reduce pest and disease risks.
9. Thin and Weed Regularly
Proper spacing and weed control encourage healthy growth.
Thinning Tips:
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when they are 2-3 inches tall.
- Use scissors to snip excess seedlings to avoid disturbing roots.
Weeding Tips:
- Hand-pull weeds carefully to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Apply a layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Clear, well-maintained beds help turnips thrive.
10. Harvest Turnips at the Right Time
Harvesting at the right stage ensures the best flavor and texture.
When to Harvest:
- Baby turnips: Harvest when roots are 1-2 inches in diameter, typically 30-40 days after planting.
- Mature turnips: Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter, usually 50-70 days after planting.
- Turnip greens: Pick leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall, leaving the root intact.
How to Harvest:
- Loosen soil around roots with a fork or trowel.
- Gently pull turnips from the soil by their tops.
Harvest promptly to avoid tough, woody roots.
11. Store and Use Turnips
Turnips can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later use.
Storage Tips:
- Remove greens to prevent moisture loss and store separately.
- Refrigerate roots in a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
- Store in a cool, humid place (32-40°F) for long-term storage.
Culinary Ideas:
- Roast turnips for a caramelized, sweet side dish.
- Add diced turnips to soups and stews for extra flavor.
- Sauté turnip greens with garlic and olive oil for a nutritious dish.
Turnips are versatile and add depth to a variety of recipes.
Conclusion
Growing turnips in your backyard is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutritious vegetables. By selecting the right variety, providing proper care, and harvesting at the right time, you can enjoy tender roots and flavorful greens throughout the growing season. Start planting today and reap the benefits of this hardy crop!