How to Grow Turnips in Autumn: A Guide for Organic Gardeners 

Why Grow Turnips in Autumn?

Autumn is an ideal time for growing turnips. The cooler weather prevents them from bolting (flowering too early) and helps develop a sweeter flavour. Turnips grow quickly and thrive in the shorter days of autumn, making them a perfect crop to plant when many summer veggies are winding down.

Choosing the Right Varieties

We're planting two varieties this season:

• Purple Top Milan Organic Seeds: Known for their beautiful purple crown and white roots, these turnips mature quickly and are perfect for both cooking and salads.

• Early Flat White Organic Seeds: A more traditional flat white variety, these turnips are crisp, mild, and offer an early harvest, perfect for those impatient gardeners among us!

How to Grow Turnips Organically

1. Preparing the Soil
Turnips prefer well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, work in some compost or well-rotted manure to give your soil a nutrient boost. As organic gardeners, we skip the chemical fertilizers and rely on enriching the soil naturally.

2. Sowing Seeds

• Direct Sow: Turnips don’t transplant well, so sow them directly where they’ll grow. Make shallow rows about 1 cm deep and 20-30 cm apart.

• Spacing: For larger turnips, space seeds about 10 cm apart. If you're aiming for baby turnips, you can sow them closer together.

• Timing: In autumn, sow turnip seeds in early September for a harvest by mid-October to November. These varieties can withstand light frost, making them perfect for cooler months.

3. Watering and Mulching
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Turnips need regular watering to develop tender roots. Once the seedlings are established, apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or leaves to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.

4. Thinning Seedlings
Once your seedlings reach about 5 cm in height, thin them to avoid overcrowding. You can even use the thinnings as a delicious addition to salads!

5. Companion Planting
Turnips do well when planted with peas, beans, and onions, but avoid planting them near potatoes, which can stunt their growth. In our garden, we pair them with garlic and kale—a winning combo for healthy, strong plants.

Harvesting Your Turnips

1. Timing
Both Purple Top Milan and Early Flat White can be harvested in about 6-8 weeks after sowing, depending on growing conditions. Baby turnips are tender and flavorful, so if you prefer smaller roots, you can harvest them earlier.

2. Checking for Readiness
Check the size of the roots by gently brushing away the soil. For Purple Top Milan, you’ll see the purple crown peeking above the soil when they’re ready. For Early Flat White, the top should be about 5-8 cm in diameter.

3. Harvesting Tips
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the base and pull the turnips out by the stems. Be careful not to tug too hard as this can break the greens. After harvesting, cut off the tops, leaving a small part of the stem, and store them in a cool place.

Why We Choose Organic and Local 

We grow our turnips organically because we believe in keeping our soil healthy and our produce free from harmful chemicals. Plus, by using seeds from Seeds Ireland, we support local businesses and ensure that our crops are well-suited to the Irish climate.

So, why not give growing turnips a try this autumn? With just a little care, you'll have a delicious, home-grown harvest in no time!

Happy planting!