When To Sow: March-July Harvest: June-October
Germination: 7-10 days Full Sun
Like most brassicas, turnips grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Choose a location that gets full sun and loosen the soil to a depth of 24-30cm. Beginning in March, sow seeds in succession from spring to mid summer, 1cm (0.5in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Thin out the seedlings to 10-15cm(4-6in) apart. (For greens, don’t thin.)
Keep well watered to prevent bolting, but don’t water-log. Keep weeds down by hand as hoeing can damage the roots' shoulders, leading to canker.
Plant in 10-day intervals for turnips all growing season long.
Maintenance
Turnips are super easy to maintain after growing. Simply keep the bed weed-free, ideally with a thick layer of mulch. Water about 2cm a week to prevent the roots from becoming tough and bitter.
Harvest
You can begin harvesting the leaves as soon as they are 8-10cm long. Harvest the roots when they are still young and tender. Simply lift out of the ground, twist off the leaves and store in boxes of sand or in a cool place outdoors.
Companion Planting
Growing turnips with nasturtiums will help to draw cabbage white butterflies away from your crop. Planting with mint is said to help deter flea beetles.