How Do You Plant Turnip?

Growing Turnip: A Gardener’s Guide

Turnips, the unsung heroes of the vegetable patch, are quick growers with humble needs. You plant them, you wait, and like magic, these creamy orbs emerge, ready to roast, mash, or eat raw. But here’s the thing—success is in the timing and care.

When to Plant Turnip

Turnips are a cool-season crop, thriving in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Heat? They hate it. Frost? They roll with it like seasoned pros. Start them early in the season, as soon as the soil can be worked, or aim for late summer for a fall harvest.

Personally, I’m a fall turnip enthusiast. Something about the crisp autumn air makes their flavor sweeter, more delicate. It's as though the cold whispers to them, softening their earthy bite.

Where to Grow Turnip

Full sun is their preferred hangout spot, but they’ll tolerate a bit of shade. Ideally, you want loose, well-drained soil, and by loose, I mean crumbly enough to dig your fingers into. Compacted soil stunts their roots, leaving you with scrappy little turnips no one wants on their plate.

If your soil is dense clay like my first garden had, you’ll need to amend it. A generous shovelful of compost or well-rotted manure (not fresh!) can do wonders. I learned this the hard way after pulling up turnips the size of marbles my first year.

How to Plant Turnip

Sowing turnip seeds is the easy part. They’re direct-seeded, so no fiddling around with transplanting. Scatter them thinly in rows or broadcast them over a small patch if you're going for a more natural look.

1. Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep—any deeper, and they struggle to sprout.
2. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart for easy access.
3. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 2 to 4 inches apart. I pinch them off rather than pulling to avoid disturbing the delicate roots of their neighbors.

Those thinnings? Toss them in a salad. They’re peppery and tender, a small reward for your efforts.

Caring for Your Turnips

Turnips are low-maintenance, but they appreciate consistency. Keep the soil evenly moist, not sodden, or you risk splitting the roots. About an inch of water per week does the trick.

A layer of mulch—straw, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings—works wonders. It keeps the soil cool, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. Trust me, there's nothing more demoralizing than weeds choking out your crop after weeks of tending.

Fertilizing Turnip

If your soil was prepped well, turnips don’t need much feeding. Too much nitrogen, and you’ll end up with lush tops and puny roots. A light sprinkle of balanced fertilizer at planting time is often enough.

One year, I got a little heavy-handed with chicken manure. The tops were spectacular, but I had all leaf and no bulb. Lesson learned: Balance is key.

Pests and Problems

Flea beetles are the bane of turnips. These tiny black critters chew holes in the leaves, making them look like lace doilies. Floating row covers are your best defense. Plus, they double as a windbreak for young seedlings.

Root maggots can also be a problem, especially in cool, damp weather. Rotate your crops annually and avoid planting turnips where other brassicas (like cabbage or radishes) recently grew. Crop rotation is your insurance policy.

Pro Tip: Companion planting with herbs like dill or mint can deter pests. Plus, they add some flair to your garden layout.

Harvesting Turnip

Turnips are ready to harvest when they’re 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Smaller roots are sweeter; larger ones tend to get woody. If you’re unsure, pull one and taste it—you’ll know if it’s ready.

Don’t just stop at the root. The greens are edible and downright delicious. Think of them as a bonus crop, perfect for sautéing with garlic and olive oil.

Storage Tips

If you’ve got more turnips than you can handle, store them in a cool, dark place, like a root cellar or the crisper drawer of your fridge. Just cut the tops off first so they don’t draw moisture from the root.

For longer storage, bury them in damp sand or sawdust. I’ve kept turnips this way until the dead of winter, pulling them out when fresh produce felt like a distant memory.

Final Thoughts on Growing Turnip

Turnips aren’t flashy, but they’re reliable, versatile, and surprisingly satisfying to grow. They ask for so little and give back so much. Whether you're after tender roots or robust greens, they’re worth a patch in your garden. Plant some—you won’t regret it.

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!