Turnips

Ready to try something new and easy in your garden? Let’s talk turnips! These often-overlooked root vegetables are not only incredibly easy to grow but also super versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing turnips can be a rewarding experience. So, let's dig into the world of Brassica rapa and find out how to get the best out of them.

TL;DR: Turnip Time!

Turnips are an easy vegetable to grow, perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike! Sow seeds undercover in March or directly outdoors from April. Harvest from July to August. They like well-drained, fertile soil and consistent watering. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases but with the right approach you’ll be enjoying homegrown turnips in no time!

Getting Started: When and Where to Plant

The best time for planting turnips depends on your climate. For an early start, you can begin sowing seeds indoors in March, giving you a head start. For direct sowing outdoors, aim for April, when the soil begins to warm up. If you're looking for fall or winter turnips, sow seeds in late summer for a later harvest. Turnips thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They are very forgiving of different soil types but avoid heavy clay if you can. The best soil for turnips will be fertile and full of organic matter.

Sowing the Seeds: Inside or Out?

For undercover starts, sow seeds in small pots and plant out when the seedlings have a few true leaves. When direct sowing, prepare the soil by removing stones and large clumps and create shallow rows. Plant the seeds about 1cm deep and a few inches apart. Thin them out as they grow, keeping the strongest seedlings. When planting turnips, you'll find that they don't need a lot of space - that makes them great for small gardens.

Turnip Care: The Basics

Turnip cultivation is relatively low maintenance, making them a great choice for those new to gardening. Consistent watering is essential, especially during dry spells to prevent them from splitting. Mulching around the plants can also help to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. While turnips don't need a lot of fertilizer, a light feed of a balanced organic fertilizer can help boost growth.

Pests and Diseases: Keeping Things Healthy

Like any vegetable, turnips can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common turnip pests include flea beetles, aphids, and slugs, while common diseases include clubroot and mildew. To combat pests, consider using row covers, organic pest sprays, or companion planting. To avoid diseases make sure you rotate your crops and ensure good airflow. Regular monitoring is the best defense against problems.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Turnips

Turnips are a quick-growing crop, and you'll be ready for the turnip harvest in about two months from sowing. You can start harvesting the young leaves as soon as they’re large enough to pick, offering a spicy flavour to your salads. The roots can be harvested when they are a suitable size. Smaller turnips tend to be more tender and flavourful, while larger roots may become woody. There are lots of different turnip varieties available, so why not try a few and find your favourite?

Why Grow Turnips? The Benefits

Growing turnips at home has many benefits. They’re a fantastic source of vitamin C and fibre. They are an easy vegetable to grow, making them perfect for beginners. And lets not forget about turnip recipes! You can roast them, mash them, add them to stews, or even grate them into salads for a delicious and nutritious boost.

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about growing turnips! Get out there and give them a try and enjoy the fruits (or roots) of your labour!