Turnip Seed Starting Tips

Sow turnips in spring for an early summer harvest and use; direct sow in the garden 5 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. Start a second crop in late summer for winter storage and use. Grow turnips and other roots crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones.

Should I soak turnip seeds before planting?
When should I start turnip seeds?
How long will it take for turnip seeds to sprout?
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
What is the best way to start seeds indoors?
What is the best fertilizer for turnips?
Do turnips need full sun?
Do turnips come back every year?
How do I know when my turnips are ready to harvest?
What grows well with turnips?
How late can you plant turnips for deer?

Should I soak turnip seeds before planting?

Additionally, deeply soaking the prepared bed helps encourage strong germination. ... In beds or rows, the only trick to getting turnip seeds to germinate is to keep them moist for about three days. In sunny weather, I cover the seeded bed with a piece of burlap to keep it moist throughout the day.

When should I start turnip seeds?

When to Plant Turnips

For a late spring harvest, sow turnip seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before the average last spring frost date. For an autumn harvest, sow turnips in late summer. Sow after summer crops of onions, squash, beans or sweet corn. You can also sow seeds in early autumn for a late autumn harvest.

How long will it take for turnip seeds to sprout?

Turnip seeds sprout best, within a week or two, between 60 and 70 degrees F; however, if sown in cooler soils, down into the mid 40s, they take longer to sprout. Keep soil moist and the plants will grow quickly, being ready for harvest between 40 and 60 days after planting seed.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

What is the best way to start seeds indoors?

How to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Purchase your seeds from a trusted source. ...
Pot with seed-starting mix. ...
Make sure your containers have drainage holes. ...
Plant seeds at the proper depth. ...
After sowing, set the containers in a warm location. ...
Keep seed-starting mix moist. ...
As soon as seedlings emerge, place pots in a bright location.

What is the best fertilizer for turnips?

To get the biggest, tastiest turnips in your home garden, amend your soil with nutrient-rich fertilizer before and after planting.

Spread 2 to 4 inches of composted organic matter over 100 square feet of soil.
Apply 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, 10-20-10 or 16-16-8, per 100 square feet.

Do turnips need full sun?

Turnips generally require a full sun location but will tolerate partial shade, especially if you plan on harvesting the plant for its greens. Preparing the bed to grow turnip plants in is easy.

Do turnips come back every year?

Yes they are easy to grow, no they don't come back every year. It may take a few seasons for the deer to realize that they like the turnips. ... You can see how tall the turnips are before and after the deer used the plot.

How do I know when my turnips are ready to harvest?

Turnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant.

What grows well with turnips?

Turnips Are Terrific Companions

Squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and radishes all flourish when planted interspersed with turnips. Turnips are “best buddies” with nitrogen-fixing peas.

How late can you plant turnips for deer?

For turnip seeds to germinate, minimum soil temperatures must reach 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Under ideal growing conditions, they'll grow very fast and can reach maturity in 50-80 days. For hunting season, plant late summer in the north or early fall in the south.