Turnips

General Information:
Turnips are a cool weather crop grown in early spring and late summer for fall harvest. Both the tops and roots can be harvested. Turnips large roots require, loose, rich well drained soil with lots of organic matter. The plants should not be crowded or roots will not develop properly. It only take about 60 day to produce a crop of turnips.

Soil Preparation:
For best results incorporate liberal amounts of compost or well rotted manure deeply dug into the soil.  Beware of fresh manure as it may contain seeds, & high concentrations of urine & salts.  Since turnips are  shallow rooted plant it is very sensitive to moisture fluctuations.   Without adequate moisture the  roots cannot absorb  the require nutrients to produce properly.  Position rows for proper exposure to sunlight.   Rake to break up & remove debris from the soil. Work the soil only when it is dry enough not to stick to garden tools. Form a 36" wide bed the length of your choice. Using a garden hoe form a shallow trench in the center of the 36" wide bed about 4" deep. Do not allow the trench between the 2 rows too extend beyond the end of the beds as this trench will hold water later.  The 2 rows in the 36" wide bed should be about 12" to 16" apart.

Fertilization:
Perform a complete soil analysis to determine fertilization needs.  Soil sample kits including sample bag and instructions can be  obtained from your local county  Agricultural extension service office free of charge. However, the fee  for the actual soil analysis is usually about $15.00.

Too much nitrogen will cause turnips to produce excessive green top with poor root production yield. For best results side dress plants with fresh compost.

Planting & Growing:
Sow seeds 6 week before your first frost date outdoors or shortly after last frost date for a spring crop.  Sow seed about ¼" to ½"  deep.  Thin seedling by clipping seedlings at ground level to 4" apart after 2 true leaves appeared. Feed seedling bi-weekly with fish emulsion for the first month. Side dress plant with fresh compost in 1 month. When seedlings have grown 4 true leaves cover the entire  36" wide bed including the trench between the rows with leaves or straw mulch. The mulch will retain moisture, attract worms, and reduce the growth of weeds in the beds. Any weeds that do germinate are easily removed by hand or light cultivation. When it is time to water your plants simply apply a moderate amount of water into the trench between the row you formed earlier.  Do not apply water to quickly as you may wash out  soil holding the water. The water will slowly soak deeply onto the root zone.  Using this method your plants will always have adequate moisture to perform well.  It is of great importance that the soil be kept moderately moist and weed free. Plant green onions within the turnips beds to repel insects. Do not plant near or following potatoes.

Care during the growing season:
Keep turnips moist and weed free until harvest. Be careful not to damage shallow roots when cultivating or pulling weeds.

The severity of insect attack is much greater in late crops. It is suggested that the control program start early (emerging seedlings) and continued on a regular basis.  Consult your local county extension  service office for diagnosis and recommended treatment.

Harvesting:
Turnips should be harvested when the root are about 2" in diameter for sweet tender roots. As turnips grow larger than 2½" they become tough and fibrous. To harvest loosen the soil with a garden fork and remove from the soil. Remove top before storage, the greens will quickly draw the moisture from the root greatly reducing flavor and the roots will become shriveled. turnips are best harvested in early morning when sugar & moisture content is greatest.