When to Plant Purple Top Turnips for Deer: A Guide to the Best Time for Growing This Deer-Friendly Crop

When to Plant Purple Top Turnips for Deer

Purple top turnips are a popular choice for deer hunters because they are a nutritious and palatable food source for deer. They are also relatively easy to grow, making them a good option for hunters who are new to gardening.

In this article, we will discuss the best time to plant purple top turnips for deer, as well as how to grow them successfully. We will also provide tips on how to attract deer to your garden and how to harvest and store your turnips.

So if you’re looking for a way to improve your deer hunting success, consider planting some purple top turnips this year!

| When To Plant Purple Top Turnips For Deer? | Month | Day |
|—|—|—|
| Planting Time | April | 15-30 |
| Growing Season | 60-70 days |
| Harvest Time | September | 15-30 |

When To Plant Purple Top Turnips For Deer?

Climate and Location

Purple top turnips are a cool-season crop that can be grown in a variety of climates. However, they do best in areas with cool, moist summers and mild winters. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to consider planting purple top turnips in the spring or fall.

Purple top turnips are also tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but they do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay soil, you may want to add some compost or sand to improve drainage.

Soil Type and Preparation

Before you plant purple top turnips, it’s important to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds or debris from the area where you’ll be planting. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. If you have heavy clay soil, you may want to add some compost or sand to improve drainage.

Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the seeds. Purple top turnips should be planted about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. You can also thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they start to grow.

Planting and Care

Purple top turnips are relatively easy to grow. Once the seeds have been planted, you’ll need to water them regularly to keep the soil moist. You should also fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Purple top turnips will be ready to harvest about 60 days after planting. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to eat, but the roots will be more tender if you wait until they are about 3 inches in diameter.

Harvesting and Storage

Purple top turnips can be harvested by simply pulling them out of the ground. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, and the roots can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.

Purple top turnips are a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow. They can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or stored for later use. If you’re looking for a new addition to your garden, consider planting some purple top turnips this year.

When To Plant Purple Top Turnips For Deer?

Purple top turnips are a popular winter forage crop for deer. They are a good source of energy and nutrients, and deer will readily eat them. However, it is important to plant purple top turnips at the right time of year to ensure that they are available when deer need them most.

The best time to plant purple top turnips for deer is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This will give the turnips time to establish a good root system before the ground freezes. If you plant them too early, they may bolt (send up a flower stalk) before the deer have a chance to eat them. If you plant them too late, they may not have time to mature before the ground freezes.

When planting purple top turnips for deer, it is important to choose a site that is well-drained and has full sun. The turnips will need plenty of water to grow, so it is important to irrigate them regularly during dry spells.

Purple top turnips are a relatively low-maintenance crop, and they can be grown in a variety of soil types. However, they do best in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. If you are planting them in clay soil, you may need to add some compost or sand to improve drainage.

Purple top turnips are a hardy crop, and they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, they will grow best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the turnips may be damaged or killed.

Planting Time and Depth

The best time to plant purple top turnips for deer is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This will give the turnips time to establish a good root system before the ground freezes. If you plant them too early, they may bolt (send up a flower stalk) before the deer have a chance to eat them. If you plant them too late, they may not have time to mature before the ground freezes.

When planting purple top turnips, it is important to plant them at the proper depth. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep. If you plant them too deep, they may not germinate. If you plant them too shallow, they may be eaten by birds or rodents.

Fertilization and Watering

Purple top turnips are a relatively low-maintenance crop, and they do not require a lot of fertilizer. However, a light application of fertilizer will help them to grow faster and produce more turnips. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for turnips.

Purple top turnips need plenty of water to grow. They should be irrigated regularly, especially during dry spells. If you do not water them enough, the turnips will be small and watery.

Purple top turnips are a great winter forage crop for deer. They are a good source of energy and nutrients, and deer will readily eat them. By planting them at the right time of year and providing them with the proper care, you can ensure that your deer have a healthy and nutritious winter diet.

When should I plant purple top turnips for deer?

Purple top turnips are a cold-hardy crop that can be planted in late summer or early fall. They will grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. The ideal planting time for purple top turnips in most areas is from mid-August to mid-September.

How much space do purple top turnips need?

Purple top turnips should be planted 12-18 inches apart. They will spread as they grow, so be sure to give them plenty of room.

How deep should I plant purple top turnips?

Purple top turnips should be planted 1-2 inches deep.

How much water do purple top turnips need?

Purple top turnips need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

When will purple top turnips be ready to harvest?

Purple top turnips will be ready to harvest 60-70 days after planting. The leaves will be dark green and the roots will be firm and round.

How do I harvest purple top turnips?

To harvest purple top turnips, simply pull them out of the ground. Be sure to leave the greens attached, as they can be eaten as well.

How do I store purple top turnips?

Purple top turnips can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. To store them, simply place them in a paper bag or mesh bag and put them in the refrigerator.

What animals eat purple top turnips?

Purple top turnips are a favorite food of deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. They are also a good source of food for birds and other wildlife.

When to plant purple top turnips for deer depends on the climate and location. In general, the best time to plant is in early spring or late fall. Purple top turnips are a cold-hardy crop and can withstand frost, so they can be planted earlier than other types of turnips. However, they will not grow well in hot weather, so it is important to plant them before the summer heat arrives.

Purple top turnips are a good choice for deer because they are high in nutrients and deer love to eat them. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to improve the deer’s digestive system. Purple top turnips can be planted in a variety of ways, including in rows, in a broadcast pattern, or in a container. They are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance.

When planting purple top turnips for deer, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, choose a location that is sunny and has well-drained soil. Second, make sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Third, fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Finally, protect the plants from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow purple top turnips for deer. These nutritious vegetables will provide a valuable food source for your deer herd and help them to stay healthy and strong.

Here are some key takeaways regarding when to plant purple top turnips for deer:

• The best time to plant is in early spring or late fall.
• Purple top turnips are a cold-hardy crop and can withstand frost, so they can be planted earlier than other types of turnips.
• They will not grow well in hot weather, so it is important to plant them before the summer heat arrives.
• Purple top turnips are a good choice for deer because they are high in nutrients and deer love to eat them.
• They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to improve the deer’s digestive system.
• Purple top turnips can be planted in a variety of ways, including in rows, in a broadcast pattern, or in a container.
• They are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance.
• When planting purple top turnips for deer, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, choose a location that is sunny and has well-drained soil. Second, make sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Third, fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Finally, protect the plants from pests and diseases.