When to Plant Turnips

Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be grown in both spring and fall. They are great for gardeners who want to have a variety in their vegetable garden. In this article, we will discuss when to plant turnips to ensure a successful harvest.

Spring Planting

If you want to plant turnips in the spring, you need to do it as soon as the ground can be worked. This is typically around mid-March or early April, depending on your location. Turnips like cool temperatures, so it's best to plant them when the soil is still cool.

To plant, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure. Turnips prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8, so it's important to test the soil before planting. After the soil is prepared, plant the seeds about ? inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil moist and once the plants are about 4 inches tall, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart.

Fall Planting

Turnips can also be planted in the fall, typically in mid-August to mid-September, depending on your location. This is to ensure that the plants will mature before the first hard frost.

Prepare the soil as you would for spring planting, and plant the seeds ? inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil evenly moist, and when the plants are about 4 inches tall, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart.

It's important to remember that turnips will not grow well in hot weather. They prefer temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so they will grow best in cooler weather.

Harvesting

Turnips are ready to harvest when they are about 2 to 3 inches in diameter or when the tops of the roots are visible above the soil. For spring-planted turnips, this will typically be in late May or early June, around 60 days after planting.

For fall-planted turnips, they will be ready to harvest around 55 days after planting, before the first hard frost.

To harvest, gently pull the turnips out of the soil by grasping the tops and pulling up. Once harvested, remove the tops and store the turnips in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Turnips are a versatile and easy-to-grow vegetable that can be planted in both spring and fall. As a cool-season crop, it's important to plant them at the right time to ensure a successful harvest. By following the tips in this article, you can grow healthy and delicious turnips in your own backyard.