How often should I water turnips?

To cultivate turnips with juicy roots and crunchy greens, the first thing you need to know is about watering. Turnips require 1 inch of water each week, but depending on the type of soil you have and the climate you're in, this can vary. Spongy soils, such as sandy soil, dry out faster than clay soils, so you will need to adapt your watering schedule to avoid drought-stressed, or waterlogged, roots.

In my coastal garden, I have found that using drip lines results in 40% less water usage while keeping the roots uniformly moist. Check the soil daily on container turnips, and poke your finger down into the soil about 2 inches, water if the soil is dry, and keep watering until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Using mulch is also valuable for hot locations, as it reduces evaporation.

Heavy watering causes split roots and fungal diseases. Light watering leads to a woody texture. Use a rain gauge to monitor the natural precipitation. If your area is in a drought week, water in the early morning and not in the evening. Wet foliage that stays damp overnight can cause mildew. The first things you should harvest are the greens. Greens are more tender and will help reduce stress on the plant.

Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide