Growing Turnips in Minnesota

Climate and Timing

• Growing turnips in weather that's too hot can result in damaged crops. If you live in the northern part of Minnesota, your chances to successfully grow turnips greatly increase. The crops favor the cool, moist climate over the warmer climate in the southern part of the state. For a spring harvest, start your turnip seeds in mid-April, and for a fall crop, sow seeds again at the beginning of August. Ensure the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit before sowing the seeds.

Soil Preparation

• To grow, turnips need a sunny spot in the garden with loose, deep, well-draining soil that retains moisture. Before working the soil, perform a soil test to determine whether the soil pH ranges between 6.0 and 6.5, which is ideal for turnips. Amend the soil with lime to raise the pH, or incorporate sulfur to lower it. Till the soil deeply to remove weeds and rocks, and pulverize clumps. Work a layer of compost into the soil to improve drainage and nutrients; incorporate fertilizer according to the soil test, and then rake the soil surface to level it.

Sowing Seeds and Care

• Plant turnip seed in rows that are spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart. Sow the seeds at a rate of three to 20 seeds per 12 inches of row. Afterward, water the soil, making sure not to flood it -- keep the soil moist throughout the germination period. When the seedlings are 4 inches tall, thin them to at least 2 inches apart. Shallowly cultivate the soil surrounding the plants to eliminate weeds, and provide 1 inch of water per week.

Harvest

• Turnip leaves can be harvested as needed when they're at least 4 inches long. For mild, tender turnip roots, harvest them when they're about 2 or 3 inches in diameter. Avoid waiting too long before harvesting the roots, because this can result in tough, woody roots, and fungal diseases might end up reducing the yield. Loosen the soil surrounding the crops and manually pull out the roots, or dig them up with a spading fork.