Growing Turnips in October: The Ultimate Guide for a Bountiful Harvest

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Plant Turnips in October
3. Choosing the Right Turnip Varieties
4. Preparing Your Garden for Planting
5. How to Plant Turnips in October
6. Caring for Your Turnip Plants
7. Common Pests and Diseases
8. Harvesting Your Turnips
9. Tips for a Successful Turnip Crop
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Turnips (Brassica rapa) are versatile root vegetables known for their crisp texture and slightly sweet, peppery flavor. Both the roots and the leafy greens are edible, making turnips a dual-purpose crop that can add variety to your autumn and winter meals. Planting turnips in October allows you to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, which they prefer, and can result in a bountiful harvest of tender roots and nutritious greens. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing turnips in October, from selecting the best varieties to harvesting your crop. With our expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding gardening experience.

Why Plant Turnips in October

Cool Weather Crop

Turnips thrive in cool temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). Planting in October takes advantage of the cooler autumn weather, promoting steady growth and enhancing the flavor and texture of both roots and greens.

Quick Maturity

Many turnip varieties mature in as little as 6-10 weeks, allowing you to harvest before the onset of severe winter weather. This quick turnaround makes turnips an ideal crop for late-season planting.

Soil Improvement

Turnips can help improve soil structure with their root systems, breaking up compacted soil and increasing aeration. They can also act as a cover crop, protecting soil from erosion during the off-season.

Nutritional Benefits

Turnips are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The greens are also highly nutritious, containing calcium, iron, and folate. Growing your own ensures access to fresh, chemical-free produce.

Extended Harvest

Planting in October can provide a harvest of tender turnip greens in late autumn and roots in early winter, extending your fresh produce supply when other crops are scarce.

Choosing the Right Turnip Varieties

Selecting the appropriate turnip variety is crucial for successful autumn planting. You’ll want to choose types that are well-suited to cooler temperatures and can mature before the ground freezes.

Recommended Turnip Varieties for October Planting

1. ‘Purple Top White Globe’

• Description: A classic heirloom variety with a purple top and white bottom.
• Maturity: Ready in about 55 days.
• Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet roots; tender greens.

1. ‘Tokyo Cross’

• Description: A hybrid variety known for its rapid growth and uniform white roots.
• Maturity: Ready in as little as 35 days.
• Flavor: Crisp and mild roots; excellent for salads.

1. ‘Golden Ball’

• Description: Round, yellow roots with sweet flavor.
• Maturity: Ready in about 60 days.
• Flavor: Sweet and firm roots; tasty greens.

1. ‘Shogoin’

• Description: Dual-purpose variety valued for both roots and greens.
• Maturity: Roots ready in 45 days; greens can be harvested earlier.
• Flavor: Mild roots; tender and flavorful greens.

1. ‘Seven Top’

• Description: Primarily grown for its abundant, tasty greens rather than roots.
• Maturity: Greens ready in 40 days.
• Flavor: Spicy and tender greens; roots are small and tough.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Varieties

• Climate: Ensure the variety is suitable for your local climate and expected autumn temperatures.
• Maturity Time: Choose varieties that will mature before severe cold or ground freezing.
• Purpose: Decide whether you want to prioritize root production, greens, or both.
• Flavor Profile: Select based on your taste preferences—mild, sweet, or spicy.
• Storage Needs: Some varieties store better than others; consider this if you wish to keep turnips for extended periods.

Preparing Your Garden for Planting

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Turnips prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
• Previous Crops: Avoid planting turnips where other brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, or kale) have recently grown to prevent disease buildup.

Soil Preparation

1. Clear the Area

• Remove weeds, rocks, and debris to reduce competition and ensure uniform root development.

1. Soil Testing

• Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
• Amend the soil accordingly to achieve the optimal pH.

1. Soil Amendment

• Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility and structure.
• Turnips prefer fertile soil but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush greens and small roots.

1. Improving Drainage

• In heavy clay soils, consider adding sand or perlite.
• Raised beds or containers are excellent options for better drainage and soil control.

Crop Rotation

• Practice Crop Rotation: To prevent disease and pest issues, avoid planting turnips where other brassicas have recently grown.

How to Plant Turnips in October

Materials Needed

• Turnip seeds (suitable varieties for autumn planting)
• Garden fork or spade
• Rake
• Labels (optional)
• Horticultural fleece or cloches (for protection in case of early frost)

Planting Steps

Direct Sowing Outdoors

1. Prepare the Soil

• Rake the soil to a fine tilth (crumbly texture).

1. Mark Out Rows

• Use a string line to mark straight rows.
• Space rows about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart.

1. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds at a depth of 1 cm (0.5 inches).
• Spacing: Sow seeds thinly, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart.

1. Cover and Firm

• Gently cover the seeds with soil and firm down lightly.

1. Watering

• Water the area gently to settle the soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

1. Thinning

• Once seedlings emerge and reach about 5 cm (2 inches) tall, thin them to:
  • For Roots: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart.
  • For Greens: Thinning can be less severe; use thinnings as baby greens.

1. Labeling

• Use labels to identify varieties and sowing dates.

1. Protection

• Use horticultural fleece or cloches to protect seedlings from unexpected frost or pests.

Succession Planting

• Staggered Sowing: In milder climates, sow seeds every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.

Caring for Your Turnip Plants

Watering

• Consistent Moisture
• Keep the soil consistently moist to promote steady growth.
• Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Watering Tips
• Water at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry.
• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture.

Fertilizing

• Soil Fertility
• If soil was well-prepared, additional fertilization is usually unnecessary.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive leaf growth over root development.
• Top Dressing
• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost midway through the growth cycle if necessary.

Weed Control

• Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition.
• Hand-weed carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.

Mulching

• Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Mulch also helps suppress weeds.

Thinning

• Ensure proper spacing by thinning overcrowded seedlings.
• Adequate spacing promotes uniform root development.

Protection

• Frost Protection
• Use horticultural fleece or cloches if early frost is expected.
• Turnips can tolerate light frost, but protection ensures continuous growth.

Common Pests and Diseases

Pests

Flea Beetles

• Symptoms: Small, round holes in leaves, giving a ‘shot-holed’ appearance.
• Control:
• Use floating row covers to protect plants.
• Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of plants.

Root Maggots

• Symptoms: Wilting plants; tunneling in roots.
• Control:
• Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil.
• Use row covers to prevent egg-laying by adult flies.

Aphids

• Symptoms: Clusters of small insects on leaves; distorted growth.
• Control:
• Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

Diseases

Clubroot

• Symptoms: Swollen, distorted roots; stunted growth; wilting.
• Control:
• Remove and destroy infected plants.
• Practice crop rotation.
• Raise soil pH by adding lime.

Downy Mildew

• Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces; gray mold underneath.
• Control:
• Ensure good air circulation.
• Avoid overhead watering.
• Remove infected leaves promptly.

Prevention Strategies

• Crop Rotation: Practice a 3-4 year rotation plan.
• Sanitation: Remove plant debris after harvest.
• Healthy Soil: Maintain soil health with organic matter.
• Seed Quality: Use disease-free seeds from reputable suppliers.

Harvesting Your Turnips

When to Harvest

• Timing: Depending on the variety, turnips can be ready to harvest in 35-70 days.
• Size:
• Roots: Harvest when roots are 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter for the best flavor and texture.
• Greens: Harvest when leaves are young and tender, typically when they reach 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) tall.

How to Harvest

1. Harvesting Roots

• Loosen the soil around the turnip with a garden fork.
• Gently pull the turnip out by grasping the base of the greens.
• Avoid damaging the root during harvest.

1. Harvesting Greens

• Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut outer leaves.
• Leave the inner leaves to continue growing.
• Alternatively, harvest the entire plant if desired.

1. Tips

• Harvest before the ground freezes to prevent damage to the roots.
• Regular harvesting of greens encourages new growth.

Post-Harvest Care

• Cleaning
• Rinse roots and greens to remove soil.
• Remove greens from roots if storing roots to prevent moisture loss.
• Storage
• Roots:
  • Store in a cool, dark place with high humidity.
  • Can be stored in damp sand or sawdust for several months.
• Greens:
  • Refrigerate in a perforated plastic bag.
  • Use within a week for best quality.

Tips for a Successful Turnip Crop

Soil Preparation

• Ensure soil is loose and free of stones to promote uniform root development.
• Incorporate organic matter but avoid excessive nitrogen.

Proper Spacing

• Adequate spacing prevents competition and allows roots to develop properly.

Regular Watering

• Consistent moisture promotes steady growth and prevents cracking or woody roots.

Succession Planting

• In milder climates, sow seeds every two weeks for a continuous harvest.

Pest Management

• Use floating row covers to protect against common pests.
• Inspect plants regularly and take prompt action if pests are detected.

Crop Rotation

• Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases and pest buildup.

Companion Planting

• Good Companions:
• Peas and Beans: Fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting turnip growth.
• Onions and Garlic: Can deter pests.
• Radishes: Quick-growing and can be harvested before turnips need the space.
• Bad Companions:
• Other Brassicas: May attract similar pests; avoid planting together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I grow turnips in containers?

A: Yes, turnips can be grown in containers that are at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep. Ensure the container has good drainage and use high-quality potting mix. Adequate spacing is essential for root development.

Q2: How much sunlight do turnips need?

A: Turnips prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Q3: Why are my turnips all greens and no roots?

A: Possible reasons include:

• Excessive nitrogen in the soil promoting leaf growth over root development.
• Overcrowding leading to competition.
• High temperatures causing stress.

Q4: How can I prevent my turnips from becoming woody?

A: Harvest turnips promptly when they reach mature size. Overmature turnips tend to become woody and less flavorful. Maintain consistent moisture and avoid heat stress.

Q5: Can I eat turnip greens?

A: Yes, turnip greens are edible and highly nutritious. They can be cooked similarly to spinach or collard greens and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Q6: Do I need to fertilize turnips?

A: If the soil is rich in organic matter, additional fertilization may not be necessary. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over root development.

Q7: Can turnips survive frost?

A: Yes, turnips are frost-tolerant and can survive light frosts. However, prolonged freezing temperatures can damage the roots, so it’s best to harvest before severe cold sets in.

Conclusion

Growing turnips in October is an excellent way to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh, nutritious roots and greens during the cooler months. By selecting suitable varieties and following proper planting and care techniques, you can achieve a bountiful harvest before winter sets in. Remember to prepare your soil well, monitor for pests and diseases, and harvest promptly for the best quality. With attention and care, your turnip crop will thrive, providing you with delicious additions to your meals. Happy gardening!

Additional Resources

• Gardening Tools and Supplies: Essential Tools for Turnip Cultivation
• Organic Pest Control: Protecting Your Turnips Naturally
• Container Gardening: Growing Turnips in Pots and Planters

For more information on What to Plant in October find out here

By following this comprehensive guide on growing turnips in October, you’re taking an important step toward a successful and fulfilling gardening experience. Embrace the advantages of autumn planting, and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh, nutritious turnips throughout the cooler months. Happy gardening!