When to Plant Turnip Greens in Tennessee

Turnip greens are a popular cool-season vegetable in Tennessee. If you want to grow them in your garden, you need to know the best time to plant them. In this article, we will discuss when to plant turnip greens in Tennessee and how to grow them successfully.

Planting Time

To plant turnip greens in Tennessee, you need to know the first and last frost dates in your area. In general, the best time to plant turnip greens is in the early spring or late summer. In the spring, you should plant them 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. In the fall, you should plant them 6-8 weeks before the first frost date. For most areas of Tennessee, the last frost date is around April 15th, and the first frost date is around October 15th.

Soil Preparation

Turnip greens grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, you should prepare the soil by adding compost, aged manure, or other organic materials. Turnip greens prefer a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, so you may need to adjust the pH if it is too acidic or alkaline. You can test the soil pH using a soil test kit, which is available at most garden centers.

Planting Method

To plant turnip greens, you need to either sow seeds or transplant seedlings. If you want to sow seeds directly in the garden, you should plant them 1/4-1/2 inch deep and space them 1 inch apart. After the seeds germinate, you should thin the seedlings to 4-6 inches apart. If you want to transplant seedlings, you should plant them at the same depth as they were in their containers and space them 4-6 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance

Turnip greens require regular watering and fertilization to grow successfully. They should be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. They also require regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. You should apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Harvesting

Turnip greens can be harvested when they reach 4-6 inches tall. You can either harvest the entire plant or just the outer leaves. Turnip greens are best when they are young, tender, and bright green. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as steaming, boiling, or saut茅ing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, turnip greens are a tasty and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in Tennessee. To plant them successfully, you need to know the best planting time, prepare the soil, use the right planting method, and provide regular care and maintenance. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown turnip greens throughout the growing season.