When to Seed Turnips
Turnips are a cool season crop that should be planted in spring or fall. For spring turnips, sow seeds directly in the garden three weeks before your last frost date. For fall turnips, sow seeds directly in midsummer, about sixty days before the first frost date. Fall turnips are typically sweeter than spring turnips.
Where to Plant Turnips
They’ll need a location with full sun, at least six hours of sunlight, if not a little more. Soil that is rich in organic matter and loosened to a depth of 12 to 15 inches will be best.
Growing Turnips
Sow seeds ½ inch deep and one inch apart. Water well until germination. As your seeds grow and mature, thin them to their mature planting distance of five inches. Turnips need at least one inch of water per week. Too much water can cause them to rot.
Harvesting Turnips
Mature turnips should be ready to harvest one to two months after planting. If you’re unsure, check the days to harvest information found on the seed packet.