How to Grow & Harvest Turnips

Plant turnip seeds in early spring for summer harvesting. Plant the seeds in mid-August for an autumn harvest. Autumn turnips typically grow larger and have more flavor than those planted in the spring. The best growth occurs between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Purdue University Horticulture.

Choose a planting site with sunny to partially shady lighting conditions. Turnips prefer deep, loose soils in well-draining locations. Standing water often causes the roots to rot.

Remove any weeds from your planting area. Use a spade to dig down into your garden soil about 6 inches. This loosens and aerates the soil. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests adding compost to the soil to encourage turnip growth.

Plant your turnip seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Sow the seeds about 1 inch apart. Don't overcrowd your turnip seeds, or the roots can suffer in both size and quality.

Water your turnip seeds regularly to promote germination and establish seedlings. Water established plants once a week throughout the entire growing season. The University of Minnesota suggests completely soaking the soil to encourage healthy root growth.

Thin out turnip seedlings once they reach 4 inches tall. The final placement should leave the plants between 2 and 4 inches apart.

Watch your turnip plants for aphids. These pests like to feed on the leaves and typically hang out close to the ground. You can typically get rid of aphids by blasting them with water from your garden hose.

Harvest your turnip plants when the tops reach approximately 1 foot in height. Loosen the soil around your turnips with a garden fork. Grip the tops of the turnips and pull the root up from the soil.