How to grow turnips

I have this gardening rule – a loose rule, but a rule nonetheless: Each year I plant at least one thing I know nothing about. This year’s unfamiliar crop is turnips. I had never had much culinary experience with them. Mom never cooked them. Friends and roommates never prepared them, and certainly didn’t grow them. All I knew, really, was that they are a root crop, and I suspected they took a while to grow. Size, color, growing requirements—all of that was a bit of a mystery.

I was given a seed packet of turnips meant for wholesale growers. The packaging was nondescript – no instructions, no photos, nothings. So naturally, in midsummer I just created a furrow in the soil and sowed some turnip seeds without further research. I should have done some research. For instance, I imagined turnips growing much bigger than the gum ball-sized items that I produced. It’s rutabagas that a large softballs. I should have known that. And I should have known to given the seeds a little extra room in the row. Even though turnips are on the small side, I still planted the seeds way too close, not giving them enough room to grow. I should have known. I suspected turnips were related to all things cabbage. However, I still planted them in mid July – the hottest time of year – instead of in the cool growing season that cabbage types prefer. I should have realized this.

The good thing about my turnip experience is that I didn’t have to do much to grow a few good turnips. I watered well but not too very much. I had planted in a rich soil that didn’t drain too quickly. And I just happened to plant them in a spot that received lots of sun. And for my minuscule efforts I was blessed with just enough turnips to include in my version of a very veggie beet soup (turnips provide some background notes in the dish).

Tips for Growing Turnips

I did eventually do some research on turnips for my next go-round with the crop.

When to Plant Turnips

I will plant when the soil is steadily 40F in spring.

How to Plant Turnips

I will plant seeds at least one inch apart.

When to Harvest Turnips

I will expect a crop in about 60-70 days.

How Many Turnips

I will plant a heck of a lot more of them, considering they aren’t all that big after all. I’m glad I know that now.