Starting off on the right foot, to produce tender turnip roots you will want to avoid these three common mistakes: late harvesting, inconsistent watering, and hot soil. If the plant is stressed, there is a greater chance that the roots will become woody. Head off the woodiness by providing consistent care and harvesting in a timely manner. Check the roots as early as 2-3 weeks after planting for size and texture preference.
Harvest Timing
- Harvest at 2-3 inches diameter, overmature roots lignify
- Test readiness by gently brushing soil from shoulders
- Succession plant every 2 weeks for staggered harvests
Watering Practices
- 1 inch weekly, drought triggers fibrous texture
- Use drip irrigation for even moisture
- Mulch with straw to retain soil dampness
Soil Temperature Control
- Ideal range: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
- Shade cloth lowers heat above 80°F (27°C)
- Plant in partial shade during summer
In my garden, grass clippings for mulch kept the soil cool and moist during this summer's heat wave. I harvested ‘Hakurei' turnips at the size of a golf ball and they were still crisp. Do not water overhead, as it makes the soil wet and dry in uneven patches. If you garden in sandy soils, water twice a week, but check for drainage first!
Selecting quick-maturing types like ‘Tokyo Cross' (35 days) will also help minimize the woodiness potential. Rotate your crops to manage the disease. Continually test your soil pH yearly; 6.0-7.5 prevents nutrient lockout from occurring in your soil. Bitter roots often go hand in hand with woodiness-yielding crops, be sure to water and use a fertilizer that contains lower nitrogen, like 5-10-10.
Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
