How Do You Plant Turnip?

Growing Turnip: A Backyard Bounty

Turnips are unsung heroes of the garden world. They are versatile, easy to grow, and incredibly nutritious. You'll soon be hooked, just like I was.

Choosing the Right Variety

When growing turnip, variety matters. I favor Purple Top White Globe for its reliable yield and flavor. Alternatively, Golden Ball gives a sweeter taste, perfect for roasting.

Soil Preparation

Turnips thrive in well-drained, loamy soil. Work in compost to enrich the soil and enhance drainage. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, which most garden soils naturally hover around.

Planting Turnips

Plant turnip seeds directly into the garden bed. An old gardener's trick I learned is to sow them in early spring or late summer for an autumn harvest.

1. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
2. Keep rows at least 12 inches apart for proper growth.

Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they are about 3 inches tall. This gives them space to develop into robust, healthy plants.

Watering and Care

Turnips are not too demanding but don’t let the soil dry out. Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Watch out for pests like aphids and flea beetles. Using an organic insecticidal soap can help keep them under control.

Feeding Your Turnips

A balanced fertilizer works wonders. Apply a 10-10-10 formula before planting and side-dress with compost as they grow.

Fertilizing too much can lead to lush foliage but small roots. Less is often more!

Harvesting Turnips

Harvest turnips when they are 2-3 inches in diameter. Smaller roots are tender and flavorful, while larger ones can get woody.

In my experience, the greens are just as valuable. Young leaves make for a nutritious addition to salads or sautés.

Storing Turnips

Store turnips in a cool, dark place. I’ve kept mine in the fridge crisper drawer for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can store them in a root cellar for several months.

Final Thoughts

Growing turnip is a rewarding endeavor. Their ease of cultivation and versatility in the kitchen make them an excellent choice for any gardener.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Each season brings new lessons and joys in gardening. Happy planting!

We hope this article has provided a helpful guide to planting turnip! With good tending, you will be able to harvest a healthy crop of a nutritious and tasty vegetable that is both versatile and easy to store. So take a chance, get out to your garden, and start planting some turnips today!