Turnips are a versatile vegetable with many culinary uses. They are also easy to grow in Missouri if planted at the right time. Knowing when to plant turnips in Missouri will ensure a successful harvest and the best quality turnips. The ideal time for planting turnips in Missouri is in mid- to late spring, after the last frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 50°F (10°C). Planting after this time will ensure that the turnip seedlings have enough time to mature before the hot summer months arrive.Turnips can be planted in Missouri any time from early spring to late summer. The best time to plant turnips in Missouri is between late March and early June, when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F. To ensure a successful crop, turnip seeds should be planted when the ground is warm and air temperatures range between 60 to 70°F during the day. Planting later in the summer may still produce a crop, but it will likely not be as good as planting earlier.
The Best Time To Plant Turnips in Missouri
The best time to plant turnips in Missouri is typically in the late spring or early summer. The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile. Planting should be done when the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Turnips need plenty of water, so it is important to keep the soil moist during the growing season. It is also important to fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer before planting.
Turnip seeds should be planted one-half inch deep in rows that are about two to three feet apart and up to six inches apart within the rows. After planting, cover lightly with soil and water immediately to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and germination. Turnips are usually ready for harvest approximately two months after planting, or when they reach a diameter of about two inches.
Turnip greens may be harvested at any time while they are actively growing by cutting off the tops, leaving about one inch of stem attached. It is important to remember that turnips must be harvested before a hard freeze or they will become tough and woody.
Overall, planting turnips in Missouri can be an enjoyable activity if done properly by following these tips for timing, soil preparation, and harvesting techniques. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a successful crop of turnips for many months!
Soil Requirements for Planting Turnips in Missouri
Turnips are a popular root crop in Missouri, and they require well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, as this helps to improve water retention and aeration. It is important to work the soil deeply before planting turnips, as this will help the young plants to develop a strong root system that can access nutrients and moisture more effectively. In addition, the soil should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer before planting to ensure that the plants have adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium available for growth. It is also important to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season, as turnips require an even supply of water in order to thrive.
Planting Tips for Growing Turnips in Missouri
Growing turnips in Missouri can be a rewarding experience. The state has a long growing season, plenty of sunshine and adequate soil moisture, making it ideal for growing a variety of vegetables. With some careful planning and preparation, you can have a successful crop of turnips. Here are some tips for planting turnips in Missouri.
When to Plant: Turnips are best planted in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. The ideal time to plant is when the soil temperature is between 50-70°F (10-21°C). This will usually occur in late March or early April.
Soil Preparation: Turnips prefer well-drained soils with plenty of organic matter. To prepare the soil, dig down 8-10 inches deep and mix in 3-4 inches of compost or aged manure. This will help improve drainage and add nutrients to the soil.
Seeding: When planting turnip seeds, sow them directly into the ground at least 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a thin layer of compost or aged manure over the seeds to help retain moisture during germination. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist until germination occurs (usually within 7-14 days).
Fertilizing: After germination, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 at least once every 4 weeks throughout the growing season. This will help ensure that your turnips have all of the necessary nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Harvesting: Turnips are usually ready for harvest within 60-90 days after planting. To check if they are ready, gently pull one out of the ground and cut it open – if it’s firm and white inside, then it’s ready! Enjoy your freshly harvested turnips!
Preparing the Soil Before Planting Turnips in Missouri
Turnips are a cool-weather crop that can be grown in Missouri during the spring and fall. Preparing the soil before planting turnips is an important step to ensure a successful crop. To get the best results, it is essential to choose an appropriate site for planting and prepare the soil properly. The soil should be light and well-drained and have a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Before planting, it is important to test the soil pH using a home soil testing kit or by sending a sample to your local extension office. If necessary, amendments such as lime can be added to adjust the pH level of the soil. Soil should also be tilled or spaded to a depth of 8 inches or more, and any large clods should be broken up with a rake or hoe.
Adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure also helps improve soil structure and fertility, providing essential nutrients for your turnip crop. Aim for about 4 inches of organic matter incorporated into the top 8 inches of soil, which helps retain moisture and nutrients while improving drainage and aeration for healthier roots.
Finally, it is important to remove any weeds from the area before planting turnips in order to reduce competition for resources such as water and nutrients. Turning over the soil after weeding helps bury weed seeds that may still be present in order to further reduce weed pressure on your crop. Following these steps will help ensure that you have a successful turnip crop in Missouri!
Harvesting Turnips in Missouri
Harvesting turnips in Missouri is a relatively easy process. The ideal time for harvesting turnips is when the turnips are fully mature and the tops have started to die back. This usually happens in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety of turnip grown. The roots should be firm and about 2-4 inches in diameter, and can be easily pulled from the soil with a garden fork or trowel. Take care not to bruise or damage the turnip when harvesting, as this can reduce its quality and storage life. After harvesting, be sure to brush off any excess dirt from the roots before storing them.
Storing Turnips Grown in Missouri
Turnips grown in Missouri can be stored for several months if done properly. The best way to store turnips is to place them in a cool, dark location with high humidity. A root cellar or basement is ideal for this purpose, but a refrigerator can also be used if necessary. Before storing the turnips, it is important to remove any remaining leaves or stems as these will quickly rot and attract pests. Once stored, check on the turnips periodically to make sure they are still fresh and free of mold or decay. If any rotten spots are found, discard those immediately so that the rest of your crop does not become contaminated.
Common Pests and Diseases of Turnips Grown in Missouri
Turnips are a popular vegetable grown in Missouri, but they are prone to a variety of pests and diseases. Several common pests of turnips include aphids, flea beetles, army worms, leaf miners, and slugs. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, sucking the life out of it. Flea beetles chew small holes in the leaves and stems. Army worms can defoliate entire plants if left unchecked. Leaf miners tunnel between the upper and lower epidermis of leaves causing them to be yellowish or brown in color. Slugs feed on the foliage often leaving a slimy trail behind them.
Common diseases affecting turnips include Alternaria leaf spot, bacterial soft rot, clubroot, downy mildew, fusarium wilt and white rust. Alternaria leaf spot causes dark spots on leaves that can grow up to 1/4 inch in diameter with a target-shaped center containing concentric rings. Bacterial soft rot is caused by bacteria entering through wounds or natural openings in the plant where it begins to decay and rot quickly turning mushy. Clubroot is caused by a soilborne pathogen that affects roots making them swollen and distorted looking resembling clubs hence its name. Downy mildew is identified by yellow lesions on upper surfaces of leaves with white fluffy fungal growth underneath. Fusarium wilt is caused by a fungus that colonizes the vascular tissue causing wilting of plants while white rust causes yellow spots on upper surface of leaves with white powdery spores underneath.
It is important to monitor turnip plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases as early detection can make all the difference in controlling these problems before they cause significant damage to your crop. There are many effective strategies for managing pests and diseases such as handpicking insects off plants, applying insecticides according to label instructions or using biological control agents like ladybugs or parasitic wasps to keep pest populations under control. Similarly there are several fungicides available for controlling fungal diseases like copper based products or organic sulfur compounds which can be used safely when applied according to label instructions.
Following proper cultural practices such as crop rotation with non-hosts like cereals or legumes will help reduce disease pressure as well as planting resistant varieties when available will also help reduce crop damage from these common pests and diseases affecting turnips grown in Missouri.
Companion Plants for Growing Turnips in Missouri
Turnips are a cold-weather crop that can be grown in most regions of Missouri. This makes them well-suited for late summer and early fall plantings. To ensure a successful crop, it is important to select companion plants that will provide the turnips with the nutrients and environment they need to thrive. In addition to companion planting, adding mulch and compost can help protect the turnip roots from temperature extremes and give them the nutrients they need.
One of the best companion plants for growing turnips in Missouri is lettuce. Lettuce grows quickly and helps protect the turnip roots from becoming too hot or cold, while also providing shade from the sun. Additionally, lettuces contain nitrogen, which helps promote strong root growth and healthy foliage.
Another good companion plant for growing turnips is arugula. Arugula also grows quickly, provides shade, and adds nitrogen to the soil as it breaks down over time. In addition, arugula has a peppery flavor that can help disguise any bitterness that may come out in turnips after a long season of growth.
Radishes are also an excellent choice for growing with turnips in Missouri. Radishes have a similar growing season as turnips but mature much more quickly so they can be harvested before the turnip roots become too large or tough. Radishes also attract beneficial pollinators such as bees which help promote healthy pollination of both crops.
Finally, kale is an excellent companion plant for growing turnips in Missouri because it provides shade and helps keep weeds away from the root of the turnip plant. Kale grows slowly but can survive cooler temperatures better than other leafy greens so it can provide protection until late fall when temperatures start to drop sharply again. Additionally, kale helps add organic matter to the soil as it breaks down over time which helps improve soil fertility for future crops of turnips or other vegetables planted in the same area.
By choosing suitable companion plants and adding mulch and compost to your garden beds, you can improve your chances of producing healthy turnip crops each year in Missouri’s climate conditions.
Conclusion
Turnips are a hardy and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in Missouri with the right conditions. Planting turnips in Missouri should take place in late summer or early fall, when soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil should be well-draining and amended with organic matter to retain moisture. Planting should take place a few weeks before the first expected frost date to allow for growth before the cold weather arrives. Turnips require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and regular watering to produce a successful crop. Gardeners can use row covers or mulch to protect the plants from frost and extend the growing season. With proper preparation and timing, gardeners can enjoy a tasty harvest of turnips in Missouri.