Knowing the best time to plant turnips in Ohio is the first step to a successful harvest. For Ohio’s growing season, timing your planting correctly ensures you get sweet, tender roots and flavorful greens. This cool-weather crop thrives in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, making it a versatile choice for gardeners across the state. Let’s break down the simple schedule and tips you need.
When To Plant Turnips In Ohio
Ohio’s climate, with its distinct springs and autumns, is perfect for turnips. They grow best when temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. Planting at the right time avoids the bitter, woody roots that come from summer heat and the damage from a hard freeze.
Understanding Ohio’s Growing Zones
Ohio spans USDA plant hardiness zones 5b to 6b. This affects your exact planting dates.
* Zone 5b (Northern Ohio): Later spring, earlier fall frost.
* Zone 6a & 6b (Central & Southern Ohio): Longer growing windows in both seasons.
Always check your local frost dates. Your county’s extension office is a great resource for this.
Spring Planting in Ohio
For a spring harvest, you need to get turnips in the ground early. The goal is to harvest before the summer heat arrives.
Best Time to Plant: As soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. This is typically 2 to 4 weeks before your average last spring frost date.
* General Timeline:
* Southern Ohio: Late March to early April.
* Central Ohio: Early to mid-April.
* Northern Ohio: Mid to late April.
Spring-planted turnips grow quickly as days lengthen. Be prepared to harvest them before hot summer weather sets in, or they’ll become pithy and strong-flavored.
Fall Planting in Ohio
Fall is often the best and easiest time for growing turnips in Ohio. Cooler temperatures and fewer pests make for sweeter roots.
Best Time to Plant: For a fall harvest, count backwards from your average first fall frost date.
* General Timeline: Plant seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before that first frost.
* Northern Ohio: Plant in early to mid-August.
* Central Ohio: Plant from mid-August to early September.
* Southern Ohio: You can plant from late August into early September.
A light frost actually improves their flavor, making them taste sweeter. You can succession plant every two weeks for a longer harvest.
Preparing Your Soil for Turnips
Turnips aren’t fussy, but they do best in loose, well-draining soil. Heavy, rocky, or compacted soil will cause misshapen roots.
1. Choose a Sunny Spot: They need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct light daily.
2. Loosen the Soil: Till or dig the area to a depth of 12-15 inches.
3. Amend the Soil: Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
4. Check the pH: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple test kit from a garden center can tell you if you need to adjust it.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Planting turnips from seed is straightforward and cost-effective.
1. Sow Seeds Directly: Turnips do not transplant well. Always sow seeds directly into your garden bed.
2. Planting Depth: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep.
3. Spacing: Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
4. Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 6 inches apart. The thinned greens are edible in salads!
5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist for good germination, which usually takes 4 to 7 days.
Caring for Your Turnip Plants
A little basic care goes a long way for a healthy crop.
Watering and Feeding
* Water: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Even moisture is key to prevent roots from cracking or becoming woody.
* Fertilizer: If your soil is prepared well, extra fertilizer often isn’t needed. A light side-dressing of a balanced fertilizer a month after planting can help if growth seems slow.
Managing Pests and Problems
Turnips are part of the brassica family, so they share some common pests.
* Flea Beetles: These tiny insects make small holes in leaves. Use floating row covers right after planting as a barrier.
* Cabbage Root Maggots: They attack the roots. Row covers secured at the soil edge are the best prevention.
* Aphids: A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them.
Crop rotation is also crucial—don’t plant turnips where you grew broccoli, cabbage, or radishes the previous year.
Harvesting Your Ohio Turnips
The great thing about turnips is you can harvest them at multiple stages.
* Greens: You can start snipping a few outer leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall. Never take all the leaves if you want the root to develop.
* Roots: Harvest spring turnips when they are young and tender, about the size of a golf ball (1-3 inches in diameter). Fall turnips can grow larger, but harvest before they exceed 4-5 inches for the best texture.
* Storage: Twist off the greens (you can cook them!), leaving about an inch of stem. Store the roots in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer or a root cellar. They can last for months.
Recommended Varieties for Ohio Gardens
Some turnip varieties perform exceptionally well in our climate.
* ‘Purple Top White Globe’: The classic, reliable variety. Great for fall planting and storage.
* ‘Hakurei’: A sweet, salad-type turnip. Perfect for spring planting and eating raw.
* ‘Scarlet Queen’: Has vibrant red stems and sweet roots. It’s both beautiful and tasty.
* ‘Seven Top’: Grown primarily for its fantastic, lush greens, though the roots are small.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you plant turnips in the summer in Ohio?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat causes turnips to bolt (go to seed), become bitter, and develop poor root quality. Stick to spring and fall plantings.
How long do turnips take to grow?
Most varieties are ready for harvest 45 to 60 days after sowing seeds. Check the seed packet for the “days to maturity” for your specific type.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure it has drainage holes. Water container-grown turnips more frequently, as pots dry out faster.
What are good companion plants for turnips?
Plant turnips with peas, beans, or nasturtiums. Avoid planting them near other brassicas like broccoli or mustard to help reduce pest issues.
Why are my turnip roots long and skinny instead of round?
This usually means the soil is too compacted or stony. For your next planting, work the soil deeper and add more compost to loosen it up. Overcrowding can also cause this, so don’t skip thinning your seedlings.
Getting your planting timing right is the most important factor. By following these simple guidelines for Ohio’s unique seasons, you’ll be enjoy a plentiful harvest of crisp roots and nutritious greens from your own backyard garden.