How to Grow Turnips in Indiana

Growing turnips can be a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners. These cool-season vegetables are easy to cultivate and offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. If you’re in Indiana, with its variable weather conditions and diverse soil types, growing turnips can be tailored to suit your local environment. This article will guide you through the process of growing turnips in Indiana, covering everything from selection and planting to maintenance and harvesting.

Understanding Turnips

Turnips (Brassica rapa) are root vegetables that belong to the cruciferous family, which includes cabbages and radishes. They are known for their sweet, earthy flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves, known as turnip greens, are also edible and packed with nutrients. Turnips have a relatively short growing season, making them a popular choice for early spring and fall gardens.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting turnip seeds, consider the following varieties popular among Indiana gardeners:

Purple Top White Globe: This is one of the most common types grown in Indiana. It has a purple top and white bottom with a mild flavor.
Tokyo Cross: A hybrid variety that matures quickly and produces round, white roots.
Hakurei: A Japanese turnip with smooth, white skin that is sweet and perfect for eating raw.

Choose a variety based on your taste preferences, whether you want them for cooking or fresh salads.

Preparing the Soil

Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Location: Select a site that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. Avoid shaded areas as they can slow down growth.
Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to check pH levels and nutrient content. Test kits are available at local extension offices or garden centers.
Soil Amendment: Based on your soil test results, amend the soil accordingly. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Tillage: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. This helps break up compacted layers and improves root development.
Weed Control: Remove any weeds from the area prior to planting, as they compete for nutrients and water.

When to Plant Turnips

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting turnips in Indiana:

Spring Planting: For spring crops, plant turnip seeds about two weeks before the last expected frost date (typically around mid-April in Indiana).
Fall Planting: For fall crops, sow seeds about 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost date (late July to early August).

This ensures that your turnips will mature during cool weather, which enhances their sweetness.

Planting Turnips

Once you have prepared your soil and selected your planting time, it’s time to sow your seeds:

Seed Depth: Plant turnip seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
Spacing: Space seeds about 2 inches apart within rows that are spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: After sowing, gently water the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact without washing away the seeds.
Thinning: Once seedlings emerge (usually within 7-14 days), thin them out so they are spaced about 4-6 inches apart. This allows enough room for their roots to develop properly.

Caring for Your Turnip Plants

Proper care is essential for healthy turnip growth:

Watering

Turnips need consistent moisture throughout their growing season. Aim for about an inch of water per week:

Water deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly every day.
Avoid overhead watering; drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best to minimize disease risk.

Fertilization

Turnips benefit from additional nutrients throughout their growth:

Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting time.
Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach about four inches tall to promote lush foliage.

Pest Management

Watch out for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots:

Use row covers early on to protect seedlings.
Hand-pick pests or use insecticidal soap if infestations occur.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on aphids.

Disease Prevention

Diseases such as downy mildew can affect turnips:

Rotate crops each year to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Ensure adequate spacing between plants for air circulation.

Harvesting Turnips

Knowing when and how to harvest is key to enjoying fresh turnips:

Timing

Turnips are usually ready to harvest 30-60 days after planting, depending on the variety.
Harvest when roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter for optimal flavor; smaller ones tend to be sweeter.

Technique

Gently pull turnips from the ground by grasping them at their base.
Use a garden fork if needed but be careful not to damage adjacent plants.
Remove tops immediately after harvesting if you plan on storing them; this prevents moisture loss from the roots.

Storing Turnips

If you have an abundant harvest, proper storage will help maintain freshness:

Store unwashed turnips in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to two weeks.
If you need longer storage, consider blanching them before freezing; cut into chunks or slices, blanch for 2 minutes in boiling water, then cool quickly in ice water before freezing in airtight containers.

Culinary Uses of Turnips

Turnips are versatile vegetables that can enhance numerous dishes:

Raw: Slice them thinly for salads or crudités platters.
Cooked: They can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews.
Greens: Don’t discard the tops! Sauté them with garlic or steam them as a nutritious side dish.
Pickling: Young turnip roots can be pickled for unique flavors.
Soups & Stews: They can add depth and flavor when included in soups or stews alongside other root vegetables.

Conclusion

Growing turnips in Indiana can yield delicious results with proper planning and care. From preparing your soil to harvesting your crop, every step is crucial for success. With their adaptability and nutritional benefits, turnips make an excellent addition to any home garden! Embrace this bountiful vegetable and enjoy its rewards all season long!