Growing Turnips: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Turnips

Turnips. Might not be the first veggie that pops into your mind when you think of a garden, but trust me, they’re a hidden gem. Imagine a cross between a potato and a radish, with just the right amount of peppery bite and earthy goodness. They’re crunchy, slightly sweet, and super versatile—whether you’re roasting, mashing, or even tossing them in a stew, turnips can steal the show without even trying.

They grow fast, too—plant them in early spring or fall, and you’re looking at a harvest in about two months. And here’s the kicker: they’re incredibly low maintenance. They’ll thrive in pretty much any soil, as long as it’s well-drained. So, no need to stress over the perfect plot of land.

And if you’re the impatient type (no judgment here), turnips are ready to pick when they’re about the size of a golf ball. The best part? You can eat both the root and the greens. The greens? They’ve got a bit of a mustardy zing to them, great in salads or lightly sautéed.

But be warned—these guys like a little cool weather. They’re not fans of the blazing summer sun, so plant them when the temperatures are a bit more forgiving. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, so they’re good for you, too. If you want a veggie that’s easy, hearty, and downright tasty, turnips are a winner.

How to Grow Turnips

Growing turnips is a straightforward process, making them a great option for beginner gardeners. Turnips thrive in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Below is a basic guide to get you started.

Planting Turnips

1. Timing:
   • Spring: Plant turnips 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
   • Fall: Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date.
2. Soil:
   • Type: Well-drained, loamy soil.
   • pH: Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
   • Preparation: Loosen the soil and remove any rocks or debris.
3. Sowing Seeds:
   • Depth: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep.
   • Spacing: Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
4. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
5. Thinning:
   • Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them out to 3-6 inches apart to give each turnip room to grow.

Growing Turnips

1. Care:
   • Fertilizing: Turnips benefit from a balanced fertilizer or compost applied before planting.
   • Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
   • Pests: Watch for pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and root maggots. Use appropriate organic or chemical controls as needed.
2. Temperature:
   • Turnips grow best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50-70°F (10-21°C).

Harvesting Turnips

1. Timing:
   • Size: Harvest turnips when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter. They can be harvested younger for a milder taste or left longer for a stronger flavor.
   • Days to Maturity: Typically 30-60 days from planting, depending on the variety.
2. Method:
   • Gently pull the turnips from the soil. If they are difficult to remove, use a fork or shovel to loosen the soil around them.
3. Post-Harvest:
   • Remove the tops (greens) from the turnips, leaving a small portion of the stem.
   • Store turnips in a cool, dry place. They can last several weeks to a couple of months in the refrigerator.

Turnips Growing Zone

Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be grown in a variety of climates, but they do best in USDA hardiness zones 2-9. Here’s a quick guide to growing turnips based on your zone:

1. Zones 2-3: These colder regions have a shorter growing season. It’s best to plant turnips in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall harvest.
2. Zones 4-5: In these zones, you can plant turnips in early spring or late summer to early fall. For fall harvests, aim to plant about 2 months before the first expected frost.
3. Zones 6-7: Turnips can be planted in early spring and late summer. In these regions, you might even be able to squeeze in a second harvest if you plant early enough in the spring and again in late summer.
4. Zones 8-9: In warmer zones, turnips are typically grown in the fall and winter. They can be planted in late summer to early fall for a winter harvest, as they prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Turnips grow well with plants like radishes, lettuce, and peas. Avoid planting with potatoes or other root vegetables to reduce competition.
• Rotation: Rotate turnips with other crops each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce disease risk.

Growing Turnips FAQ

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