Turnip

Growing

Turnips thrive in the cool weather of spring and autumn, making them a reliable choice for early or late season gardening. When preparing your garden, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to ensure optimal development. Because these are annual crops, you can sow seeds directly into your beds or containers once the soil has warmed. To prevent the most devastating diseases, such as clubroot and black rot, try to practice crop rotation by avoiding the planting of brassicas in the same spot year after year.

Managing pests is a key part of a successful harvest. Keep a close eye out for flea beetles, root maggots, and aphids, which can damage both the roots and the nutritious greens. If you notice aphids, you may be dealing with the spread of turnip mosaic virus, so choosing resistant cultivars can help mitigate this risk. If you are growing them primarily for their leaves, you can harvest the tops while leaving a few inches of stubble to allow for regrowth.

When the roots have reached a suitable size, pull them from the earth and use them immediately, as they do not improve in quality after being picked. For longer-term use, you can store unwashed roots in a cool, dark cellar or the refrigerator. If you plan to freeze them, be sure to blanch the vegetables first to preserve their flavor and texture.