Turnips

Most people think of Turnips as overgrown woody roots that are usually only suitable for putting in stews. Home grown Turnips have much more to offer. The summer varieties are picked while small and can be used in salads. The winter varieties can be used as a green vegetable by using their tops in the spring; they are more nutritious than Spinach. They do however require a fair amount of care. Any check in their growth will result in them being woody.

Turnips are members of the brassica family and they need the same soil conditions, a firm, well drained, medium to heavy soil that is not too rich. A site that has been used for a previous crop that has been manured is ideal. They also need a pH of 6.5 - 7.0, so it is wise to check this and apply lime if necessary. Apply a general fertiliser at the rate of 2- 3oz per square yard before planting.

For very early crops, sow the seed in cells in January and plant out under cloche sin early spring. For further sowings, sow the seed thinly in a shallow seed drill, in late spring, and thin to 12" apart for maincrop varieties, 9" apart for early varieties and 3" apart if being used for the tops only. Leave 18" between the rows.

It is also a good idea to treat the ground when planting with a soil pest killer such as Chlorophos as a prevention against soil pests.

Pick the summer varieties when they are golf ball size. In autumn lift the maincrop varieties, twist the tops off and store in boxes of peat or Vermiculite for winter use.

Turnips are subject to all the usual Brassica pests and diseases such as Club root, Flea Beetles, Mildew and Soft rot. (See relevant Pests or Diseases sections)

© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen