Turnip is a super versatile root veggie that adds repertoire and nutrition to your meals. Growing turnips can be easy and rewarding if you have the right guidance, whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner. Turnips generally grow in any soil and climate. Therefore, it is a great choice for anyone who wants to grow their food.
With a history going back thousands of years, turnips were a staple in the diets of ancient civilisations, the Romans and Greeks loved them for their nutritional benefits. In the modern kitchen, turnips can be roasted, mashed or used in soups and stews, they add a unique flavour to many dishes. As you start growing this plant, you will find that growing turnips require minimal effort and maximum harvest.
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Here is everything you need to know to plant and grow turnips, from choosing the right one to looking after them as they grow. So you can have fresh homegrown turnips to add to your meals and make gardening fun.
How To Grow And Care For Turnips: A Step-By-Step Guide
Choose The Right One
Choosing the right variety to have a good harvest is the key:
- The white globe turnip is known for its mild flavour and smooth texture.
- The purple top turnip features a distinctive purple crown and has a sweet taste.
- Golden turnips, sweeter than other varieties, are characterised by their vibrant yellow colour.
Each has its own characteristics so choose one based on your taste and your climate condition. Turnips love cool weather, so plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, and they mature before the heat hits.
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Soil Preparation
Soil is the foundation of healthy turnip growth, and they like well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter. Before planting, test the soil pH to make sure it is between 6.0 and 6.8, as this is where nutrients are absorbed. To prepare the soil, dig it to about 12 inches deep and mix in compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve fertility and structure drainage and aeration, which is important for root growth.
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Planting
When planting turnips, sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart with rows 12-18 inches apart. This will provide good air circulation and sunlight. For spring planting, plant 2-4 weeks before the last frost date and for fall planting, 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Timing is important as turnips grow best in cool weather and will become hard and will taster will become bitter.
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Watering And Fertilising
Turnips need consistent moisture, so water deeply once a week and adjust during dry weather to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can cause root rot. Fertilise when the plants are 2-3 inches tall with a balanced fertiliser (10-10-10) at the recommended rate on the package. This will give them the nutrients they need to grow and develop the edible roots.
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Thinning
Once your turnip seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thinning is necessary to prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients. Thin to about 4-6 inches apart, each plant has room to develop its roots. You can use the thinned seedlings in salads or stir-fries; they are tender and delicious, and you will not waste anything
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Weeding And Pest Control
Weeding is key to turnip health. Check regularly for weeds and pull them by hand or with a hoe to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Mulching will help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Also, be on the lookout for pests like aphids, cabbage worms and flea beetles. Use organic pest management methods like introducing beneficial insects, neem oil or insecticidal soap to protect your turnips without harming the environment.
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Harvesting
Depending on the variety, turnips are ready to harvest 30-60 days after planting. Check for 2-4 inches in diameter for best flavour and texture. When harvesting, gently pull the turnips out of the soil or use a fork to loosen the soil if it is compacted. Harvesting at the right time is important because leaving them in the ground too long will make them woody and less culinary.
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Storage
Once harvested, you can store them for several weeks and have fresh produce after the growing season. Store them in a cool, dark place, ideally in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, which maintains humidity and prevents drying out. If you want to store them for longer periods, consider pickling or fermenting them, which will add flavour and a twist to your meals.
So, what are you waiting for, to have a healthy and nutritious harvest, start preparing to grow your turnips at home. Following these steps, you can successfully grow and care for turnips in your garden, enjoying their delicious flavour and nutritional benefits in your meals.