When is the best time to plant turnip greens in Tennessee?

When to Plant Turnip Greens in Tennessee

Turnip greens are a cool-weather crop that are popular in many parts of the country, including Tennessee. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Turnip greens can be eaten cooked or raw, and they are a versatile addition to soups, stews, and salads.

The best time to plant turnip greens in Tennessee is in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also plant turnip greens in the fall, but they will not grow as large as those planted in the spring.

Turnip greens are easy to grow, and they do not require a lot of care. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, and they prefer well-drained soil. Turnip greens can be harvested when the leaves are about 6 inches long.

If you are looking for a healthy and versatile vegetable to grow in your Tennessee garden, turnip greens are a great option. They are easy to grow, they are nutritious, and they can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

Month Best Time to Plant Notes
March Early March After the last frost date
April Mid-April After the soil has warmed up
May Late May When the weather is consistently warm

When To Plant Turnip Greens In Tennessee?

Turnip greens are a cool-season crop that can be grown in a variety of climates. In Tennessee, the best time to plant turnip greens is in early spring or late fall.

Climate and Growing Conditions

Turnip greens are a cool-season crop and do best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate some frost, but they will not grow well in hot weather. The ideal time to plant turnip greens in Tennessee is in early spring or late fall.

If you live in an area with a hot summer, you can plant turnip greens in the spring and harvest them in the fall. You can also grow turnip greens in containers, which will allow you to control the temperature and provide shade from the sun.

Soil and Fertilizer

Turnip greens grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand. You can also add organic matter to the soil by planting a cover crop.

Turnip greens are heavy feeders and require a lot of fertilizer. You should fertilize them every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. You can also use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for vegetables.

Planting Turnip Greens

Turnip greens can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. If you are planting them in the ground, you should space the plants 12 inches apart. If you are planting them in containers, you should use a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide.

When planting turnip greens, it is important to make sure that the roots are covered with soil. You can also water the seeds after planting to help them germinate.

Harvesting Turnip Greens

Turnip greens can be harvested when the leaves are about 6 inches long. You can harvest them by cutting the leaves off at the base of the plant. You can also harvest the entire plant, including the roots.

Turnip greens are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be steamed, roasted, sauteed, or pickled. They can also be used in salads, soups, and stews.

Tips for Growing Turnip Greens

Here are a few tips for growing turnip greens in Tennessee:

  • Plant turnip greens in early spring or late fall.
  • Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun or partial shade.
  • Make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
  • Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry weather.
  • Harvest the leaves when they are about 6 inches long.

Turnip greens are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Tennessee. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh turnip greens all season long.

When To Plant Turnip Greens In Tennessee?

Turnip greens are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Tennessee from early spring to late fall. The best time to plant turnip greens in Tennessee is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Turnip greens can also be planted in late summer or early fall, but they will not grow as well as they do in the spring.

How To Plant Turnip Greens In Tennessee

To plant turnip greens in Tennessee, you will need to:

  • Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 inches.
  • Sow the seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.
  • Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of soil.
  • Water the seeds well.

The seedlings will emerge in about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to 6 inches apart.

How To Care For Turnip Greens In Tennessee

Turnip greens are relatively easy to care for. The most important thing is to keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells. You should also fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Turnip greens are susceptible to a number of pests, including aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles. If you see any pests on your plants, you can treat them with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

When To Harvest Turnip Greens In Tennessee

Turnip greens can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender. The best time to harvest them is in early summer, before the weather gets too hot. To harvest turnip greens, simply cut the leaves off of the plant at the base.

You can store turnip greens in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Turnip greens are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Tennessee. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh turnip greens from your garden all summer long.

When should I plant turnip greens in Tennessee?

Turnip greens can be planted in Tennessee from early spring to late summer. The best time to plant them will depend on your specific location and climate. In general, you should plant turnip greens about 2 weeks after the last frost date.

How do I prepare the soil for planting turnip greens?

Turnip greens prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, you should loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and add compost or manure. If your soil is heavy clay, you may also want to add sand to improve drainage.

How far apart should I plant turnip greens?

Turnip greens should be planted about 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.

How much water do turnip greens need?

Turnip greens need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

How do I fertilize turnip greens?

Turnip greens can benefit from a side dressing of fertilizer about 6 weeks after planting. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and apply it at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.

How do I harvest turnip greens?

You can start harvesting turnip greens when the leaves are about 6 inches long. To harvest, simply cut the leaves off at the base of the plant. You can continue to harvest turnip greens throughout the growing season.

How do I store turnip greens?

Turnip greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To store them, wash the leaves and dry them thoroughly. Then, place them in a plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

What are some common pests and diseases of turnip greens?

Turnip greens can be affected by a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and powdery mildew. To protect your plants from pests and diseases, you can use a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and mulching, and chemical controls, such as insecticidal soaps and fungicides.

When to plant turnip greens in Tennessee depends on the variety of turnip greens you are planting. For example, you can start planting early spring turnip greens as early as February in Tennessee. However, you will need to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit before planting summer turnip greens. Fall turnip greens can be planted in late summer or early fall.

When planting turnip greens, it is important to choose a location with well-drained soil. Turnip greens do not tolerate wet soil well, so it is important to make sure that the soil is able to drain quickly after a rain. You should also choose a location that receives full sun. Turnip greens need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to grow properly.

Turnip greens are relatively easy to care for. They do not require a lot of water, but they do need to be watered regularly during dry spells. You should also fertilize your turnip greens every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Turnip greens are ready to harvest when the leaves are about 6 inches long. You can harvest the leaves by cutting them off at the base of the plant. You can also harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at the ground. Turnip greens can be eaten fresh or cooked. They are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Here are some key takeaways regarding when to plant turnip greens in Tennessee:

  • Early spring turnip greens can be planted as early as February in Tennessee.
  • Summer turnip greens should be planted after the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Fall turnip greens can be planted in late summer or early fall.
  • Turnip greens need well-drained soil and full sun.
  • Turnip greens are relatively easy to care for and do not require a lot of water or fertilizer.
  • Turnip greens are ready to harvest when the leaves are about 6 inches long.
  • Turnip greens can be eaten fresh or cooked.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.