When Planting Turnips

Introduction

When it comes to vegetable gardening, one of the most popular crops is the humble turnip. Turnips can be grown throughout the growing season and are a great crop for beginners. In this article, we will explore when to plant turnips, and the steps you need to take to have a successful crop.

Soil Preparation

Before planting turnips, it's important to ensure that your soil is well-prepared. Turnips need well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. If your soil is too heavy, you'll need to mix in some sand or compost. You may also need to adjust the pH of your soil if it's not in the recommended range of 6.0 to 7.5.

When to Plant

Turnips are a cool-season crop, so they're perfect for planting in the spring and fall. If you're planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 45掳F before sowing turnip seeds. In the fall, plant your turnips about 60 days before the first expected frost in your area.

Sowing Seeds

When sowing turnip seeds, it's important to ensure that they're spaced correctly. The seeds should be sown about half an inch deep and two inches apart. Once the seeds have been sown, gently cover them with soil and water thoroughly. It's also important to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.

Thinning

Once the turnips start to grow, it's important to thin them out to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow. When thinning, leave about four inches between each plant. This will give each turnip enough space to grow and mature properly.

Fertilizing

Turnips don't need a lot of fertilizer, but they do require a steady supply of nutrients to grow well. It's best to fertilize your turnips with an all-purpose vegetable fertilizer when you first plant them. After that, you can fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Pest Control

Turnips are susceptible to a number of pests, including flea beetles, root maggots, and aphids. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or organic insecticides. It's also important to keep your garden clean and free of debris, as this can attract pests.

Harvesting

Turnips are typically ready to harvest about 60 days after planting. You can harvest them when they're between two and three inches in diameter. To harvest, use a garden fork to gently lift the turnip out of the soil. Turnips can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a great addition to salads, soups, and stews.

Conclusion

When planting turnips, it's important to ensure that your soil is well-prepared, and that you're planting at the right time. Once your turnips are growing, thins them out to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow. Remember to fertilize and control pests, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful crop of turnips to enjoy.