How To Grow And Care For A Turnip Plant

Turnips are a popular root vegetable that is often used in cooking. They are easy to grow from seeds and can be harvested in just a few months. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about how to grow turnips, including plant attributes, plant care, pruning, propagation, potting and repotting, common pests and plant diseases, and common problems. Before we begin, let's take a look at some key plant attributes of turnips. Turnips are a cool season crop that prefer full sun to partial shade. They grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0-6.8. Turnips can be planted from seed in early spring or late summer, and take anywhere from 55-80 days to mature. They are a biennial plant, which means they flower and produce seeds in their second year of growth. Plant Care: To ensure that your turnips grow well, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. First, turnips require regular watering, especially during hot and dry spells. Be sure to water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Second, turnips require regular fertilization to keep them healthy and productive. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Pruning: Turnips don't require much pruning, but it is a good idea to thin them out after they have germinated. This will give the remaining plants more room to grow and reduce competition for resources. Thin your turnips so that they are spaced 4-6 inches apart. If you are growing turnips for their greens, you can harvest these throughout the growing season, but be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Propagation: The easiest way to propagate turnips is by sowing seeds directly in the ground. Turnips can also be propagated through stem cuttings, but this is not a common practice for home gardeners. Potting & Repotting: If you are growing turnips in containers, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix, and choose a container that is at least 8 inches deep. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and fertilize regularly. If you notice the plant becoming root-bound, you can repot it into a larger container. Common Pests & Plant Disease: Turnips are relatively easy to take care of, but they can be susceptible to a few common pests and plant diseases. The most common pests are aphids and flea beetles, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Turnips can also be affected by fungal diseases such as clubroot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, be sure to rotate your crops each season and avoid planting turnips in the same spot for more than one year. Common Problems: One common problem that gardeners may encounter when growing turnips is bolting. Bolting occurs when the plant starts to produce a flowering stalk before the bulb has fully developed. This usually happens when the weather gets too warm or when the plant is stressed due to lack of water or nutrients. To prevent bolting, plant turnips in the cooler months, and be sure to keep them well-watered and fertilized. In conclusion, turnips are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow from seeds. To keep your turnips healthy and productive, be sure to follow the plant care tips outlined above, and watch out for common pests and plant diseases. With a little bit of TLC, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of turnips in no time!

www.pinterest.com - turnips grow harvest turnip seed gardening growing seeds garden tips planting cold weather vegetable these plants care vegetables choose board

www.treehugger.com - turnips treehugger kerin gould

www.slickgarden.com - turnip seeds grow turnips harvesting plant

Share :