Snow Ball Turnips
Sowing
A cool weather crop, turnips thrive when planted three weeks before the last frost in the spring, or after the hottest part of summer for a fall crop. Direct sow the seeds in rich, deeply worked soil and full sun, 1/2″ deep in rows 12-18″ apart; as the seedlings grow, thin them to 4-6″ apart.
Growing
Apply mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Watch out for pests such as the red and black harlequin bug, which must be removed to prevent damage.
Harvesting
Harvest greens as soon as they reach a good size for eating; if using both the greens and the root, harvest only 2-3 leaves per root. Since small turnips have the most tenderness and flavor, pull them when they reach a size of 1-3″. To store them for extended periods, cut the top down to 1/2″ and store in a cool, dark place without washing off the dirt. Gardeners with warmer winters will be able to apply a layer of mulch and leave the crop in the ground all winter.
Seed Saving
Turnips will cross pollinate with other varieties of turnips, and should be isolated to ensure genetic purity. This vegetable must overwinter before producing seed. In warmer climates, a layer of mulch will be sufficient for protection. In colder climates, dig up the turnips; cut the tops to 1″ and store them in damp sand at 33-40 degrees F until replanting in spring. The roots will send up flowering stalks. When the seed pods begin to turn brown, remove them before they shatter or dig up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a protected location to dry. Thresh the seed from the dry pods by crushing them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years
Common Pests
Flea Beetles: As soon as leaves appear, flea beetle’s hop on and begin making tiny holes in them. There are about a dozen common types of flea beetles. They are usually most numerous in spring and die down as the summer progresses. Despite their small size, flea beetles are very mobile and will move around the garden tasting everything until they find a favorite crop. Most damage is cosmetic and the plant can quickly recover. These beetles usually are not a problem for home gardens, but can be removed by taking a small piece of cardboard and covering it in honey or another sticky substance and held above the infested plant as you gently shake it to cause the beetles to hop to the cardboard.
Aphids: The common name for many species of aphids that infect gardens is plant lice, as that is exactly what they look like. Aphids sucks plant juices, weakening the leaves and the stems. Fortunately there are a dozen major predators to every type of aphid. The most common predator are the lady beetle, small wasps, syrphid fly larvae, and lacewings. Most of the time insecticide is not needed for removing aphids, a strong stream of water from the hose will do just fine, as will soapy water.
