Turnips, with their crisp, round roots and leafy green tops, bring a versatile and nutritious touch to any garden. These root vegetables are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and their dual-purpose nature, as both the roots and greens can be harvested and enjoyed. The round, white or purple roots and the lush, green foliage make turnips an attractive addition to garden beds or containers.

In Florida planting zone 9, turnips thrive, particularly during the cooler months. The plants grow quickly, producing robust roots that are ready to harvest within a few months. Watching these sturdy roots develop and the greens flourish is a satisfying experience, marking the success of your gardening efforts.

For those new to gardening, turnips are an excellent choice. They are relatively easy to grow and provide a continuous supply of nutritious roots and greens. Whether you enjoy them roasted, mashed, or in soups, turnips bring a hearty and healthy addition to your meals, making your gardening endeavors both productive and enjoyable.

I would give turnips a 4 out of 5 on how easy they are to grow. They are relatively straightforward to cultivate and manage, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Explanation:

• Start Seeds Inside: Starting turnip seeds indoors is not recommended because turnips grow quickly and do well when directly sown into the garden.

• Direct Seed: Direct seeding turnips during the cooler months allows for quick germination and rapid growth, taking advantage of the mild temperatures.

• Transplant Starter Plants: Transplanting turnip seedlings is not recommended because their delicate roots can be easily damaged, which can affect their growth and final shape.

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• Soil: Turnips prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.

• Sun: Full sun is ideal for turnips, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Spacing: Plant turnip seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-6 inches apart in rows and space rows 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to allow room for root development.

• Fertilization:
  N-P-K Ratio: Turnips benefit from a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content and higher phosphorus and potassium levels to support root development, such as 5-10-10 or 4-8-4.

  When to Add:

  • Before Planting: Apply the fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds to promote strong initial growth and root development.

  • Mid-Growing Season: If needed, reapply the fertilizer lightly mid-season to support continued growth and root development.

  Application Tips:

  • Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.

  • Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

  Additional Tips:

  • Turnips grow best in well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve soil quality.

  • Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.

  • Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the critical root development phase, to prevent stress and promote even growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

• Harvesting: Turnips are ready to harvest when the roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter, typically 40-60 days after planting. Gently pull the turnips from the soil, and the greens can also be harvested and eaten.

By selecting the right turnip varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful turnip harvest in your Florida garden.

Pests and Diseases that affect Turnips in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.

• Flea Beetles: Small beetles that chew small holes in the leaves.

• Root Maggots: Larvae that tunnel into the roots, causing decay.

• Cabbage Root Maggots: Fly larvae that burrow into the roots, leading to wilting and plant death.

Natural Pest Control

• Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that causes yellowing leaves with a fuzzy, grayish growth on the underside.

• Clubroot: A fungal disease that causes swollen and distorted roots, leading to stunted growth.

Companion Plants:

1. Onions

• Description: Onions are bulbous vegetables with a pungent taste and strong aroma.

• Growing Season: Fall to spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-9

• Special Notes: Onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Onions help repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests that can damage turnips. Their strong odor masks the scent of turnips, making it harder for pests to locate them.

2. Marigold

• Description: Marigolds are bright, sunny flowers that come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and red.

• Growing Season: Spring through fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-11

• Special Notes: Marigolds release chemicals in the soil that deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

• How it Helps: Marigolds help repel nematodes, aphids, and flea beetles. Their roots release a substance that helps prevent nematodes, protecting turnip roots.

3. Nasturtium

• Description: Nasturtiums are flowering plants with round leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

• Growing Season: Spring to fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 4-8

• Special Notes: Known for their ability to trap pests and attract beneficial insects.

• How it Helps: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids and flea beetles away from turnips. Their flowers also attract beneficial insects that prey on these pests.

4. Thyme

• Description: Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with small, aromatic leaves and purple or pink flowers.

• Growing Season: Spring to fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 5-9

• Special Notes: Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Thyme helps repel cabbage root maggots, flea beetles, and other pests with its strong aroma. It also attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests affecting turnips.

5. Garlic

• Description: Garlic is a bulbous plant that grows underground, with long green shoots above ground.

• Growing Season: Fall to early summer

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-8

• Special Notes: Known for its strong scent and taste, garlic also has natural pest-repelling properties.

• How it Helps: Garlic helps to repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests due to its strong odor. It also has antifungal properties that can help reduce the incidence of downy mildew and clubroot on turnips.

6. Chives

• Description: Chives are perennial herbs with long, thin, green leaves and a mild onion flavor.

• Growing Season: Spring to fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-9

• Special Notes: Chives prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Chives help repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests with their strong scent. They also attract beneficial insects that prey on these pests.

7. Mint

• Description: Mint is a fragrant herb with a refreshing, cooling flavor, known for its vigorous growth.

• Growing Season: Spring to fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-11

• Special Notes: Mint can be invasive, so it’s best planted in containers or controlled areas.

• How it Helps: Mint repels aphids, flea beetles, and other pests with its strong aroma. It also attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests affecting turnips.

8. Dill

• Description: Dill is an herb with feathery green leaves and yellow flowers, known for its use in pickling.

• Growing Season: Spring to early summer

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-11

• Special Notes: Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that prey on aphids, flea beetles, and other pests affecting turnips. It also helps improve the health of surrounding plants by enhancing their growth.

These companion plants help protect turnips from pests and diseases while also enhancing the overall health and productivity of the garden.

For turnips, here are the vegetable plants that should not be planted nearby:

1. Potatoes - Can spread diseases and compete for nutrients with turnips.

2. Radishes - Compete for the same nutrients and can attract similar pests and diseases.

3. Horseradish - Can compete for nutrients and space.

4. Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Kale) - Compete for the same nutrients and can attract pests harmful to turnips.