Turnips is one of gardening favorites since they are very easy to grow.
It is a mild rooted vegetable and also a two in one vegetable plant
wherein the tender young leaves of it can be eaten as a nutritious salad
or as cooked greens, and its bulb or root offers variety of nutrients
which can be prepared in various ways.
It is best to grow turnips in a cool gardening climate, but can grow
almost anywhere depending on its kind. Turnips like better in a
well-drained soil and full sun with a soil pH of 6.5. Turnips do not
want any competition from other plants, regular weeding is essential for
better growth. Before planting them, prepare first the garden beds with
a generous amount of compost and animal manure ensuring a deep and
loosely cultivated soil to promote optimal growth of the roots. Turnips
grow best in garden beds that were well fertilized and well-worked for
another harvest last season.
When planting turnips allow some space interval for each plant, make the
rows 10 inches apart and 1/4 inches deep. Sow turnip seeds in then cover
it with garden compost and water it. When you notice them sprouting
after two weeks, avoid plant crowding by narrowing the turnips to one
plant every 4". Don't let the garden beds dry out, keep it watered
evenly but not mushy. You can also try to apply a dose of complete
fertilizer one month after planting to boost growth. No need for an
additional fertilizer as it can increase the leaf growth and causes the
roots to be small.
This vegetable species are not generally troubled by plant diseases, but
several pests such as aphids, grubs and caterpillar find them delicious.
If you worry about root maggots, it can be avoided by covering the
plants with row covers.
They are normally ready for harvest after 2 or 3 months. Make sure to
harvest them before they become woody and hard. To harvest, just pull
the entire plant from the ground and you can cook them after for a
nutritious meal.
