When to Plant Turnips in Missouri (A Guide for Gardeners)

When To Plant Turnips In Missouri

Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Missouri from early spring to late fall. They are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and roasted vegetables.

The best time to plant turnips in Missouri is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also plant turnips in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.

When planting turnips, it is important to choose a well-drained location with full sun. Turnips will tolerate some shade, but they will not produce as well in shady areas.

The soil pH for turnips should be between 6.0 and 6.8. If the soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.

Turnips are relatively easy to grow and require little care. They do not need a lot of water, but they should be watered regularly during dry periods.

Turnips are ready to harvest when the roots are about 2 inches in diameter. You can harvest turnips by pulling them out of the ground.

Turnips can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks.

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Month	Best Time to Plant	Notes
March	Early March	Turnips can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked.
April	Mid-April	Turnips can be planted until mid-April, but they will not grow as large as those planted earlier.
May	Late May	Turnips planted in late May will not have enough time to mature before the first frost.

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When To Plant Turnips In Missouri?

Turnips are a cool-weather crop that can be grown in Missouri from early spring to late fall. The best time to plant turnips depends on the variety you choose and your desired maturity date.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

• Climate: Turnips are hardy plants that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but they do best in cool weather. The ideal temperature for growing turnips is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to start your turnips indoors or in a cold frame to protect them from the heat.
• Soil conditions: Turnips prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
• Desired maturity date: Turnips can be harvested at any stage of maturity, but the flavor is best when they are young and tender. Early-maturing varieties can be harvested in as little as 45 days, while late-maturing varieties can take up to 120 days to mature.
• Variety of turnip: The variety of turnip you choose will also affect the planting date. Early-maturing varieties can be planted earlier in the season than late-maturing varieties.

General Planting Guidelines for Turnips in Missouri

• Sow seeds in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
• Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
• Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart once they have emerged.
• Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Harvest turnips when they are young and tender.

Harvesting Turnips

Turnips can be harvested at any stage of maturity, but the flavor is best when they are young and tender. To harvest turnips, simply pull them up from the ground. Be sure to leave a few inches of the stem attached to the turnip so that it can store nutrients.

Turnips can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. To store turnips, place them in a perforated bag or container in a cool, dry place.

Troubleshooting Turnip Problems

Turnips are generally a very easy crop to grow, but there are a few problems that can occur.

• Insects: Turnips can be affected by a variety of insects, including aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers. To control insects, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Diseases: Turnips can be affected by a variety of diseases, including black rot, clubroot, and powdery mildew. To control diseases, you can practice good crop rotation and sanitation, and remove any infected plants from the garden.
• Watering: Turnips need regular watering, especially during dry periods. If the soil dries out too much, the turnips will become tough and bitter.

Turnips are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in Missouri from early spring to late fall. By following these planting guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown turnips all season long.

When To Plant Turnips In Missouri?

Turnips are a cool-weather crop that can be grown in Missouri from early spring to late fall. The best time to plant turnips depends on the variety you choose.

Specific Planting Dates for Turnips in Missouri

• Early spring varieties can be planted in late March or early April.
• Mid-season varieties can be planted in April or May.
• Late-season varieties can be planted in May or June.

Tips for Growing Turnips in Missouri

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Turnips do not tolerate drought well, but they also do not like to be waterlogged. Water your turnips regularly, but do not overwater them.
• Fertilize the plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer. Turnips are heavy feeders, so they need to be fertilized regularly to produce a good crop.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases. Turnips are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, flea beetles, cabbage loopers, and clubroot. To protect your turnips from pests and diseases, you can use a variety of methods, including:
• Planting resistant varieties
• Using row covers
• Applying pesticides
• Rotating crops

Turnips are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in Missouri with a little planning and care. By following these tips, you can grow a bountiful crop of turnips that will add flavor and variety to your meals.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [University of Missouri Extension: Growing Turnips](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6649)
• [USDA National Agricultural Library: Turnips](https://nal.usda.gov/topics/turnips)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac: How to Grow Turnips](https://www.almanac.com/garden/vegetables/how-grow-turnips)

  When is the best time to plant turnips in Missouri?

Turnips can be planted in Missouri from early April to late May. The best time to plant them will depend on your specific location and climate. In general, you should plant turnips when the soil has warmed up to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the danger of frost has passed.

How do I prepare the soil for planting turnips?

To prepare the soil for planting turnips, you will need to loosen the soil to a depth of 10 inches and remove any rocks or debris. You should also add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.

How deep should I plant turnips?

Turnips should be planted 1 inch deep.

How far apart should I plant turnips?

Turnips should be planted 2 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.

How much water do turnips need?

Turnips 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.

When will my turnips be ready to harvest?

Turnips can be harvested 60 to 70 days after planting. The best time to harvest them is when the roots are firm and the leaves are a dark green color.

How do I store turnips?

Turnips can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. To store them, place them in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

What are some common problems with growing turnips?

Some common problems with growing turnips include:

• Insects: Turnips can be damaged by insects such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage loopers.
• Diseases: Turnips can be affected by diseases such as black rot, clubroot, and downy mildew.
• Weeds: Turnips can compete with weeds for water and nutrients.

How can I prevent problems with growing turnips?

You can prevent problems with growing turnips by taking the following steps:

• Sow turnips early in the season to avoid insect damage.
• Rotate your crops to help prevent diseases.
• Control weeds by weeding regularly.

  When to plant turnips in Missouri depends on the variety of turnip you are planting. For winter turnips, you should plant them in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. For summer turnips, you can plant them in late spring or early summer.

Turnips need full sun and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of care. You should water them regularly, but make sure not to overwater them.

Turnips are ready to harvest when they are about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest them by pulling them out of the ground. Turnips can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.

Here are some key takeaways regarding when to plant turnips in Missouri:

• Winter turnips should be planted in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
• Summer turnips can be planted in late spring or early summer.
• Turnips need full sun and well-drained soil.
• They are relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of care.
• You should water them regularly, but make sure not to overwater them.
• Turnips are ready to harvest when they are about 2-3 inches in diameter.
• You can harvest them by pulling them out of the ground.
• Turnips can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.