Use these instructions to learn how to grow turnips from seed in your garden this summer.
How to Grow Turnips from Seed
If you are looking to grow a vegetable that is a good alternative to potatoes you should give turnips to try. These late Winter or early Spring sown vegetables are perfect for making fries, roasted vegetables and they even taste great mashed like potatoes. Since they are grown in cooler weather you can start them early in the growing season and they only need about 2 months to mature. Here are some tips for growing turnips from seed.
How to Grow Turnips from Seed Indoors
It is recommended that you start your turnips directly in the ground, however, there are reasons for starting them inside. If you live in a cold area, you may need to start your turnip seeds indoors in order to have a head start on your cool-weather crop.
To start your turnip seeds indoors, you will need a seed starting tray. Seed starting mix soil and water. You will also need a sunny spot to allow your seeds to germinate.
Place a seed in the soil in each section about ½ inch in. Press the soil firmly on each seed to help with better odds of germination. Water your sections and make sure seeds are touching soil and not floating. Place in a sunny spot where you can keep your soil above 60 degrees.
How to Grow Turnips from Seed Outside
Often said to be the best way to have a good chance at a great crop, if you are lucky enough to live in a warmer area where the ground is able to be wrecked in later winter, try direct sowing seeds. Choose a site that gets a lot of direct sun.
To do so, you will want to get your soil ready by adding in some aged compost. Make sure your soil will be around 50-60 degrees for germination. Direct sow seeds about 4-6 inches apart. You will want rows about 12 inches apart. Make sure to press the seeds into the soil about ½ inch in. Seeds need to be touching soil in order to properly germinate.
Water your seeds but do not soak them. You will want to keep the soil moist for at least 2-3 weeks during the germination process.
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