Turnips, which are also called white turnips, are a form of root vegetable which thrives in temperate climates, and are prized for their fleshy taproot. They are tasty and eaten by humans as well as animals, and below are some tips for growing turnip correctly.

Tips for Sowing Turnip

The seeds should be sown in soil that has been worked well during early spring as well as late summer to produce a complete crop. Don’t plant members of the cabbage family within the same location for two years straight. The roots will thrive from soil which is loose, light, and rock or stone free. It might be wise to utilize soil amendment like organic matter which is composted should the soil be heavy.

The bed should be prepped by turning your soil beneath for an eight inch depth. Use a rake to level it and remove stone and grass clumps. Sow the rows thinly with 1.5 feet worth of space between them then cover using 1.5 inches worth of soil that is fine. Maintain even moisture, firm lightly and your seedlings should emerge within seven to fourteen days.

Tips for Growing Turnip

When growing your turnips it is essential to control weeds as much as possible. This can be done by applying mulch which will stop the germination of their seeds, but you want to make sure you don’t disturb the turnip soil while doing so. Turnips must be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. This will promote growth which is quick and uninterrupted.

Generally, turnip requires an inch worth of water every week while growing, and water gauges can be used to make sure you’re using enough. Trickle or drip systems are highly recommended, as they will provide water at reduced pressure near your soil. Additionally, you’ll need to constantly monitor your turnips for annoying afflictions and pests otherwise they’ll ruin all your hard work.

Tips for Harvesting Turnip

When working with turnip greens, you’ll want to pick roughly four weeks after you’ve sown them or you can wait until their roots appear. It is best to harvest turnip when the roots reach a diameter of between two and three inches, but no sooner than thirty days after they’ve been sown. If you’re growing your turnips during spring, it is crucial to harvest the roots prior to the arrival of hot temperatures so they won’t become too big and woody. Fall harvesting of turnips should be undertaken after the first frost to produce a flavor which is sweet.

Turnip is versatile and may be eaten cooked or raw. The seedlings are thin and may be placed within salads or sandwiches where they taste delectable. However, they should be rinsed carefully before use and can be stored for as long as 2 weeks inside a refrigerator and from eight to ten months within a freezer once blanching has occurred, but it is essential not to place them within close proximity to raw meat or their juices, and turnips are perfect for canning.