# Why Grow Turnips In Your Vegetable Garden? - Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/ - Published: 2026-07-05T18:14:53-05:00 - Author: Bert Swope If you are curious about growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), then you have come to the right place. Here you will learn about the best time to plant and care for [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/). You can also learn about the problems you may encounter while growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/). In addition, you will learn about the best companion plants for [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/). ## Planting turnips in the fall If you’re thinking of planting [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) this fall, consider a few tips for success. The cool weather and frost are best for turning the taproot into a sweet treat. But even if you’re not growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) for winter use, you can still grow them this season. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) prefer soil rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. You can enrich your soil with a mix of compost or wood ashes. They also thrive in soils that are well-drained and heavily mulched. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) are a cool-season crop that grows quickly. They can be planted in the early spring, midsummer, or late summer to harvest in the fall. In order to grow [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) at a healthy rate, sow the seeds thinly, in rows about twelve to 18 inches apart. Thin the plants once the seedlings are 4 inches tall. Planting [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) in the fall will give you a bumper crop of tasty roots and greens in just a few months. Planting [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) in the fall requires a bit of extra work. You must keep in mind that the root growth of [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) is short, so they must be planted in moist soil. Also, soil around them should be weed-free and well- drained. Mulching will help retain moisture and delay harvest. Another consideration is soil pH. While [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) grow best in acidic soil, they also need moist soil. You can water your [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) in the morning or in the evening, but make sure to water them in the morning to prevent them from drying out. You can also use a soaker hose to water the soil. As a result, [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) will grow best in soil that is well-drained and loose. If your soil is too clayey, you can add some perlite or sand to improve the drainage and pH. Once you have the soil ready for planting [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), it is time to plant the seeds. You need to sow [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. They can be planted in rows of up to 100 feet. You should also thin the seeds once they’ve sprouted, spacing them about four inches apart. ## Growing turnips from scrapes Growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) from scraps is a great way to reduce food waste. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) are a great source of phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. By growing them in your garden, you’ll save money on grocery store produce and reduce the amount of food you have to throw away. And it’s a great way to teach kids about science. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) can be harvested as roots or greens. You can also grow them from the tops. Just place the scraped- out [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) tops in a glass of water and wait a couple of days. Soon, the green tops will grow and you’ll have a fresh [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) root to plant. This method works with most root vegetables. When transplanting [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), make sure to plant them 1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. You can space the  [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) seeds a little farther apart if you want smaller [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), and closer to each other if you’re growing larger ones. Water regularly until they germinate. You can use a floating row cover or drip irrigation to help protect your crop from insects. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) need constant moisture to remain tender. Using a soil moisture meter is helpful when growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), as limp leaves are an indicator of a dry root system. Similarly, wilted leaves indicate the need for additional water. Growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) from scrapes can be an economical way to preserve a staple food for your family. The ideal harvest size for a [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) is two to three inches. You can measure this by examining the top part of the bulb that sits above the soil line. If the [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) grows over three inches, the roots will get woody and fibrous, and the flavor will be bitter. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) can tolerate temperatures up to twenty degrees Fahrenheit and are best planted before the last frost. They can also tolerate temperatures of up to 24 degrees. Young [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) roots and leaves are excellent for salads. ## Growing turnips with companion plants Companion planting is a wonderful way to ensure that your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) crops are healthy and able to withstand the harsh winters. This strategy not only protects your vegetables from pests, but also helps maintain soil nutrients and adds nitrogen to the soil. Although [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) do not require a lot of fertilizer, companion planting helps prevent pest damage to the plants. Adding companion plants to your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) garden is a great way to ensure healthy growth and better flavor. Most [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) companion plants will provide shade and shelter for your [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/), while they also help combat pests that can damage your crops. Companion plants will also improve the health of your soil and keep weeds at bay. Companion planting is an excellent way to improve the yield of your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) crops. Companion planting also helps control invasive pests, attract beneficial insects, and help your crop grow healthier and more quickly. It is important to choose companion plants that will work well with your [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/). Some plants that work well with [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) include Swiss chard and lettuce. For the best [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) yield, plant [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart. To protect the roots from rotting, use an organic mulch that will retain moisture and help control weeds. You should also water your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) plants regularly to prevent root rot. [Turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) need about one inch of water per week. Marigolds are beneficial to your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) patch. Their scent repels pests. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and aphids. Nasturtium vines also serve as a living mulch and repel cabbage moths. They are a great way to attract beneficial insects to your [turnip](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) patch. Companion planting helps reduce the need for chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides. Companion plants also provide beneficial pollinators and boost the flavor of nearby vegetables. Companion planting also helps maintain soil health and helps [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) grow more consistently over time. Soil fertility is also improved, which helps prevent pests. Growing [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/) with companion plants is important for the best yield. A few herbs are ideal companions for [turnips](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-turnip/). These plants also help repel pests from other vegetables in your garden. ### Share this: * [ Print ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/#print?share=print) * [More](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/#) * [[ * [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) * [ Email ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Why%20Grow%20Turnips%20In%20Your%20Vegetable%20Garden%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Flifeandwork.blog%2Fwhy-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden%2F&share=email) * [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) * [ Telegram ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=telegram) * [ WhatsApp ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Reddit ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=reddit) * [ Threads ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=threads) * [ Mastodon ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=mastodon) * [ Nextdoor ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=nextdoor) * [Post](https://x.com/share) * [ Bluesky ](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-grow-turnips-in-your-vegetable-garden/?share=bluesky) ### _Related_