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How To Grow Turnips

This week, let's learn how to grow turnips. Turnips are a root vegetable so they are fairly easy to grow as long as you don't plant them too deep. Your first block of text...

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How To Grow Turnips - 1/26-2/1/2026

If you’ve ever walked past turnips at the store and thought, “Meh,” I get it. I used to think turnips were just a boring, old-fashioned root. Then I grew them in my own garden, cooked the roots, sautéed the greens, and realized turnips are a two-for-one crop that can feed you well.

This guide is here to help you feel confident from seed to supper. You’re going to learn how to grow turnips in the garden for sweet, tender roots and for a big bunch of healthy greens.

Even better, turnips are fast. You can plant them and harvest in weeks, not months, which makes them perfect if you want quick wins in the garden.

I’m going to walk you through this in 7 clear parts. You’ll learn when to plant, how to plant, how to care for them, how to handle pests, and how to harvest and cook both the roots and the leaves.

Quick heads-up: many gardeners don’t realize the leaves are not only edible, but delicious. If you’ve been tossing them, you’ve been throwing away half your harvest.

I’ll also share a few simple ways to cook turnips and cook turnip greens, because the question “what are good ways to cook turnips so they taste good?” comes up all the time—and there are some easy answers.

Grow Turnips - What Are They?

Turnips are cool-season vegetables. That means they like mild weather, and they can struggle when it’s hot.

You grow turnips for two main reasons: the root (the round “turnip” you picture) and the greens (the leafy tops). Some varieties are better for roots, some are better for greens, and many do both well.

Here’s why turnips deserve a spot in your garden: they grow fast, they don’t need a lot of space, and they give you two harvests from one planting.

In my own garden, turnips are one of those “gap fillers.” If a bed opens up, I sow turnip seeds and get food before I even miss the empty space.

Turnip roots can be mild and slightly sweet when harvested young. If you wait too long, they can get bigger and stronger in flavor, and sometimes a bit tougher.

Turnip greens are sturdy leaves you can sauté, simmer, or toss into soups. Think of them like a cousin of collards or mustard greens, but often a little milder.

Grow Turnips - When And Where To Plant

Turnips grow best when days are cool. Aim for early spring or late summer into fall, depending on your climate.

If you plant in hot weather, the plant may focus on survival instead of making a nice root. Heat can also make the flavor sharper.

Choose a sunny spot if you can. Turnips will tolerate some light shade, but you’ll get better growth and fuller roots with more sun.

The soil matters more than many people think. Turnips make their root underground, so you want soil that is loose and not packed down.

If your soil is heavy clay, don’t give up. You can still grow turnips in the garden by loosening the bed well and mixing in compost to improve texture.

Also, try not to plant turnips where you recently grew close relatives like cabbage, broccoli, or radishes. Rotating crop families helps reduce pest and disease problems.

Grow Turnips - Prep The Soil

Start by clearing weeds. Turnips don’t love competition, especially while they’re tiny seedlings.

Next, loosen the soil several inches deep. You don’t need to dig to the center of the earth—just break it up so roots can expand without hitting hard clumps.

Mix in compost if you have it. Compost helps soil hold moisture while still draining well, and it supports steady growth.

Try to avoid going heavy on fresh, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can push a lot of leaves but can leave you with smaller roots.

If your soil is rocky, pick out the bigger stones. This is one of those small chores that pays off with smoother, nicer-looking turnips.

Finally, rake the bed level. A smooth seedbed makes it easier to plant at an even depth and helps seedlings pop up more evenly.

Grow Turnips - Let's Plant The Seeds

Turnips are usually direct-sown, which means you plant the seeds right in the garden instead of starting them indoors.

Make shallow rows with your finger or a stick. Turnip seeds are small, so you don’t want to bury them too deep.

Sprinkle seeds along the row, then cover them lightly with soil. Press gently to make good contact between seed and soil.

Water with a soft spray so you don’t wash the seeds away. Keep the top layer of soil lightly moist while you wait for sprouts.

Label your row if you’re like me and you plant three things in one afternoon and then forget what’s where. A simple tag saves a lot of guessing later.

Seedlings usually show up pretty quickly when conditions are right. Once you see those first little leaves, you’re officially on your way.

Grow Turnips - Plant Care

The biggest secret to nice turnip roots is steady growth. That usually means consistent moisture.

Water when the soil starts to dry out near the surface. You’re not trying to flood the bed—just keep it from swinging between bone-dry and soaking wet.

Thin your seedlings. This step feels harsh, but it’s key. If turnips are too crowded, you’ll get lots of leaves and tiny roots.

Here’s a simple way to thin: when seedlings are a few inches tall, snip the extras with scissors so the remaining plants have room. Snipping avoids disturbing the roots of the plants you keep.

Weed regularly, especially early on. Small turnip plants can get overwhelmed, and weeding is easier when weeds are tiny.

If you want, add a light mulch after seedlings are established. Mulch helps hold moisture and reduces weed pressure, which makes your care routine much easier.

Grow Turnips - Common Problems

Flea beetles can pepper leaves with tiny holes. Young plants are the most vulnerable, so keep an eye out early.

If you see damage building fast, you can protect plants with a lightweight row cover. It’s basically a breathable fabric barrier that keeps insects off.

Aphids sometimes gather on tender growth. Often, a strong spray of water knocks them off, and beneficial insects can take care of the rest.

Slugs and snails may chew leaves, especially in damp gardens. Hand-picking at dusk and keeping the area free of hiding spots can help a lot.

If your turnips look great on top but don’t form roots, the cause is often crowding, heat, or soil that’s too compact. Go back to thinning, timing, and soil loosening.

If roots taste too strong or bitter, harvest them younger next time and keep watering steady. Stress can make flavors harsher.

If roots crack, they may have gone through uneven watering—dry for a while, then suddenly a lot of water. Aim for a more even moisture pattern.

Grow Turnips - Harvesting

You can harvest turnip greens while the root is still growing, but don’t take all the leaves from one plant.

A simple rule: pick a few outer leaves from each plant and leave the center growing. That way you get greens now and roots later.

For roots, harvest when they look the size you want. Smaller turnips are usually more tender and mild, and they cook faster, too.

To harvest, grip the greens near the base and pull gently. If the soil is dry or compact, loosen around the root first so you don’t snap it off.

Once harvested, cut greens from the root if you’re storing them. Leaving greens attached can pull moisture from the root and make it go soft faster.

Wash roots well, especially around the top where soil can cling. For greens, swish them in a bowl of water and lift them out so grit stays at the bottom.

Grow Turnips - How To Cook

Now let’s talk cooking, because growing food is only half the win. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook turnips so they taste good, the trick is to cook them like you would other comfort-food vegetables.

Easy ways to cook turnips (roots):

• Roast chunks with oil, salt, and pepper until browned
• Mash with butter (mix with potatoes if you want it extra mild)
• Add to soups and stews like you would potatoes or carrots
• Slice a turnip into French fries, add some olive oil & salt & pepper and air fry them

If you want a sweeter taste, harvest smaller roots and roast them until the edges caramelize. In my kitchen, roasting is the method that converts “turnip skeptics” the fastest.

You can also sauté thin slices quickly for a lighter side dish. Keep the heat medium, stir often, and stop while they’re still a bit firm so they don’t turn mushy.

How to cook turnip greens:

• Sauté with garlic and a splash of broth or water 
• Simmer low and slow with onion until tender 
• Chop and add to beans, soups, or scrambled eggs

If the greens taste a little sharp, don’t panic. A pinch of salt, a little fat (like olive oil), and a small splash of vinegar or lemon at the end can make the flavor smoother and brighter.

When you learn how to grow turnips in the garden, you’re not just growing a root—you’re growing a whole meal. Plant a short row, harvest greens as you go, pull the roots when they’re tender, and you’ll have fresh food that feels like it came from a smarter, simpler way of living.

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Monday, January 26, 2026

Good morning. As you can see above, this week we are talking about how to grow turnips. 

It is so very cold. It was 16° when I woke up at 3:15am. It is still 16° at 6:30am. Our store is closed today because of the cold along with ice that may still be out there. 

It's now 8:30am and it is 18°. I am so cold in this house and my back is hurting. I have no idea why so it should be a really fun day.

Matt came over around 10:30am. I spent some time on the couch and finally went to work around noon. It was still in the 20s. They say it got up to 42° but I never felt that. It is currently 8pm and 36°. It will get down in the 20s again tonight. When will it end? This coming weekend it will be freezing and below again. Somebody is trying to kill all of the Texans!

I got some orders pulled and closed but my back kept getting me. It was a very painful day. I came home just after 5pm.

I have been doing research and I am going to start making a plan this evening if my back will cooperate and if I can stay awake. 

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Tuesday, January 27, 2026

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Sunday, February 1, 2026

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