Turnips and RutabagaTurnips have a small white round root with a thin skin. Rutabagas have a big yellow root often called a winter turnip. These vegetables can be seeded in the spring to be harvested early in the season or in mid July for a fall harvest. There is no need to harvest all the roots at one time as they will remain tender in the soil for up to 2 months. Rutabagas will improve in flavor after a frost as well. Start harvesting when the roots are the size of a golf ball. The greens are very nutritious so use them as well for salads or steaming. Botanical Family - Brassicaeae/Mustard Family Companion Planting Location - Cool weather, adequate moisture and good drainage. Soil - Sandy and not too rich in nitrogen. Soil Preparation - Add 2” of compost or aged manure to early season crops. If the soil is clayey add some sand as well. Seed Info Planting Times - Direct seed April to August. Succession plant every few weeks. Planting Instruction - Hand seed. Water well once seeded. Will require thinning once they start to grow. Watering - Regular thorough soaking. Weeding - Keep weeded while plants are small. Disease & Insects - cabbage root maggot, flea beetle, club root disease Harvest - Leaf: Cut greens when young and tender. Add to salad mix. Root: pull the whole plant when the root is the size of a golf ball or more in diameter. Storage - Tops need to be used quickly. Roots will store for several weeks in the refrigerator or in a cool area packed in sand, sawdust or peat moss.
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