When to Plant Turnips in Tennessee: Optimal Seasons and Tips (2024)

🌱 Planting Turnips in Tennessee: Timing Tips

Growing turnips in Tennessee can be a rewarding experience, but timing is everything. Turnips are best planted in early spring or late fall to take advantage of the cooler weather. In the spring, I aim for mid-March, just after the ground thaws and is workable. Late fall planting needs to begin in mid-August to take advantage of the cool autumn temperatures.

Turnips thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Incorporating aged compost can really help improve soil quality and drainage. As a gardener, I’ve found that preparing the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 12-15 inches and mixing in compost creates the ideal environment for these root vegetables.

Weather is another key factor. Turnips grow best when temperatures range between 40°F and 75°F. They can handle a bit of frost, which is why they are perfect for those unpredictable Tennessee springs and falls. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and avoid planting during hot summer months, as turnips do not perform well in extreme heat.

Planning Your Garden

Growing turnips in Tennessee involves selecting the right variety, ensuring your soil and sun conditions are optimal, and choosing the perfect planting time to maximize growth and yield of this cool-weather crop.

Choosing the Right Variety

Picking the right turnip variety is critical for success. Some varieties thrive better in different seasons. For example, Purple Top White Globe turnips are versatile, performing well in both spring and fall. On the other hand, Tokyo Cross is an excellent choice for quick growing, maturing in about 30 days.

Consider what you like to eat as well. Some varieties are great for their greens, such as Seven Top, while others, like Golden Ball, are preferred for their sweet roots. Depending on your taste and the season, you might plant different varieties throughout the year.

Understanding Soil and Sun Requirements

Turnips grow best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Before planting, it’s crucial to prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches and incorporating 2-4 inches of compost or aged manure to boost nutrient content. Heavy clay soils benefit from additional organic matter to improve drainage.

💥 Turnips require full sun to grow effectively.

Ensure your garden gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for robust growth. They are cool-weather crops, tolerating temperatures from 40°F to 75°F, so plan your planting location carefully.

Optimal Planting Times

Timing is key to turnip gardening. For spring planting, start turnip seeds as soon as the soil can be worked, usually around late February to April, depending on your local frost dates. It’s common to plant them indoors about 30-35 days before transplanting outside.

💥 Aim to plant fall turnips 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost in your area.

This means sowing seeds from late summer to early fall. As a cool-season crop, turnips germinate and grow well at cooler temperatures, so avoid hot summer months for planting.

Cultivation Techniques

Turnips thrive when given the right amount of space, water, and care to deter pests and diseases. Growing turnips successfully in Tennessee involves attention to detail and timely actions.

Sowing Seeds and Plant Spacing

I begin by sowing turnip seeds directly into the soil. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch apart in rows that are spaced 18 inches apart. Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches in height, I thin them to about 3 inches apart to give them adequate room to grow.

Spacing is crucial. Crowded plants can lead to smaller turnips and hinder proper air circulation, which can encourage diseases. I always ensure the soil is well-prepared with organic matter and loosened to a depth of about 12 to 15 inches.

Watering and Nutrient Management

Consistent moisture is key for turnips. I water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Too little water can cause woody turnips, while too much can lead to rot. A deep soaking once or twice a week works well, especially when rainfall is insufficient.

For nutrients, turnips benefit from a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. I incorporate aged manure or compost into the soil before planting to enrich it. Throughout the growing season, a light application of balanced fertilizer helps maintain growth.

Protecting the Crop from Pests and Diseases

Turnips can fall prey to pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers. I use row covers to shield young plants, and if pests appear, I treat them with insecticidal soap. For fungal diseases like powdery mildew and clubroot, rotating crops and ensuring good drainage are essential.

I keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Yellowing leaves or slow growth might indicate an issue. By acting swiftly, whether it’s adding mulch to retain moisture or using natural pest repellents, I ensure my turnip crop stays healthy throughout the season.

Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling

As turnips mature, their taste and texture begin to peak. Knowing when to harvest and how to handle them post-harvest ensures they remain healthy and nutritious. Let’s walk through these essential steps.

Determining Harvest Time

Turnips should be harvested when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Typically, this is about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also gauge their readiness when their swollen roots become visible above the soil.

To achieve the best results:

Avoid letting them stay too long in the ground as they can become woody and lose tenderness. Turning up the soil gently before pulling the turnips helps prevent damage to the root.

Storing and Preserving your Turnips

Once harvested, proper storage is key to maintain their freshness. For turnips, proper handling can make all the difference:

For roots, you can store them in a cool, damp place such as a root cellar. For greens, it’s best to consume them fresh, as freezing can alter their texture.

Properly handled, turnips provide a versatile addition to both raw and cooked dishes, ensuring you get the most out of your harvest.

Cooking and Utilization

Turnips are versatile vegetables with both their greens and roots lending themselves to a variety of dishes. Here are some preparation techniques and meal ideas to get the most out of turnips.

Preparation Techniques for Culinary Use

I find the key to preparing turnips lies in treating the greens and roots differently. Turnip greens can be sautéed, steamed, or added to soups. For a quick fix, I love sautéing them with garlic and a splash of lemon juice.

On the other hand, turnip roots can be consumed raw or cooked. I often slice raw turnips for a crispy addition to salads. Cooking methods like roasting or boiling bring out a tender texture and sweet flavor in the roots. Peeling the outer tough skin of mature turnips can result in a more pleasant culinary experience.

Ideas for Using Turnips in Meals

Incorporating turnips into meals can be both nutritious and delicious. I often add turnip greens to soups and stews for an extra hit of vitamins. A classic dish in my kitchen is turnip greens with smoked ham hocks—hearty and tasty.

For turnip roots, roasted turnips make an excellent side dish when tossed with olive oil and your favorite herbs. They become caramelized and slightly sweet. Another favorite is mashed turnips, which can be an interesting alternative to mashed potatoes. For a colorful twist, I mix both purple and white turnips in salads, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.

Serving turnips raw with a dip is a refreshing snack. If you’re looking to explore further, consider trying a “Seven Top” variety of turnip greens, known for their tender leaves and ease of cooking.