Turnips are a versatile, cool-season vegetable that offer both flavorful roots and nutritious greens. They grow quickly, making them a great addition to any garden, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener.
Choosing the Right Turnip Variety
Turnips come in different sizes and colors, from small, tender roots to larger, hearty varieties.
Popular Varieties:
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic variety with a purple crown and white flesh, great for roasting or mashing.
- Hakurei: A Japanese variety known for its small, sweet, and tender roots that are delicious raw.
- Golden Ball: Round, yellow-fleshed turnips with a sweet, mild flavor.
- Scarlet Queen: A vibrant red-skinned turnip with crisp, white flesh and excellent greens.
Tip: Try growing multiple varieties to explore different flavors and textures.
Preparing the Soil
Turnips thrive in loose, well-draining soil that allows their roots to expand easily.
Basic Soil Guidelines:
- Loosen the soil to at least 20 cm (8 inches) deep and remove rocks or debris.
- Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5).
Experiment: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider growing turnips in raised beds to improve drainage and root development.
Planting Your Turnips
- Direct Sowing:
- Turnips grow best when sown directly in the garden. Plant seeds 1 to 2 cm (0.5 to 1 inch) deep and 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) apart.
- Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Turnips prefer cooler weather and can tolerate light frosts.
- Succession Planting:
- To enjoy a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Sunlight Needs:
- Turnips grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Turnips grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Caring for Your Turnips
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Turnips need about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week.
- Thinning: Once seedlings are 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) tall, thin them to about 10 cm (4 inches) apart to allow the roots to develop properly.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Observation Tip: If your turnips are growing lots of greens but small roots, they might need more spacing or less nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Harvesting Your Turnips
Turnips are typically ready to harvest 30 to 60 days after planting, depending on the variety.
How to Harvest:
- Harvest turnips when they are about 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) in diameter for the best flavor and texture.
- Gently loosen the soil around the roots and pull them up by the greens.
- Turnip greens can be harvested at any time when they are tender and young.
Try it and see: Harvest smaller turnips for a milder flavor or let them grow larger for a more robust taste.
Storing Turnips
Proper storage helps keep turnips fresh and flavorful.
How to Store Turnips:
- Short-Term Storage: Remove the greens (leaving about 2.5 cm or 1 inch of stem) and store the roots in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Long-Term Storage: Turnips can be stored in a cool, dark, and humid place, like a root cellar, for several months.
- Freezing: Blanch turnip slices for 2 to 3 minutes, cool quickly in ice water, and freeze in airtight containers for longer storage.
Tip: Use turnip greens within a few days, as they tend to wilt quickly.
Common Turnip Growing Problems
- Woody or Bitter Roots:
- Caused by leaving turnips in the ground too long or inconsistent watering. Harvest promptly and keep the soil evenly moist.
- Pests:
- Watch for flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Use row covers to protect young plants and rotate crops yearly.
- Forked or Misshapen Roots:
- Often due to compacted or rocky soil. Ensure the soil is loose and well-prepared.
- Often due to compacted or rocky soil. Ensure the soil is loose and well-prepared.
Final Thoughts: From Seed to Table with Turnips
Growing turnips is a simple and satisfying way to add both roots and greens to your garden. Their quick growth and versatility in the kitchen make them a favorite for many gardeners. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, or sauteed, turnips can easily become a staple in your seasonal harvest. As always, observe how your plants respond to their environment, and tweak your methods to match your garden’s unique conditions.
Happy gardening, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite of your homegrown turnips!