Turnip green plants have been the favorites of those who know their usefulness. Growing it is also very interesting because it can handle a cold environment, but dwelling or being nurtured in a hot environment is one aspect they detest because a hot environment kills turnip greens.
In this article, I will be explaining how to grow turnip greens in a raised bed and the necessary steps to take.
Growing Turnip Green in a Raised Bed
This green plant can be very sweet and tender, and it can also be quite bitter and dense. Prepare your mind to learn something important as I want to take you through some essential information about turnip greens before heading to the subject of the content.
Turnip Greens: Their History and Cultivation
Turnip greens have existed for a long period of time. They are thought to have originated in the eastern part of Asia and the Middle East. The Ancient Romanians made use of the root to eat.
Propagation
Turnip green adapts, grows, and flourishes during cold-weather conditions. So I will advise farmers to grow them when there is cool weather in their space or environment.
The temperature must range from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit before you think of growing them in your raised bed.
Growing Conditions
You cannot force turnip green to germinate or flourish in an environment that’s not conducive. It can only germinate until the temperature of the soil gets to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can as well plant them once your soil is workable.
Even after planting it, the turnip seed will remain dormant until the right weather conditions surface.
When to Start Planting Turnip Seeds
Different farmers have diverse ways of growing their turnip greens in raised beds. You can decide to plant turnips grown from the top close to the ones you are growing from the roots.
But it is obligatory to give your turnip green space in the raised bed to avoid disease, pests, and undesired weeds. Plant the turnip seeds 12 inches apart, 12 inches deep.
If you cannot do the planting this way, sprinkle or scatter them over the soil and cover them lightly. You are also expected to thin to 4 inches once the seed begins to germinate.
Can I Grow My Turnip Greens Indoors?
Yes, you can. If you want to begin to nurture the turnip seed indoors, compostable pots are a brilliant idea because they can be easily placed on the ground so that the roots of the turnip green will remain undisturbed.
You can also make use of cow pots because they can easily adapt to the environment that peat pots can’t.
How To Grow Turnip Greens
Turnip green can survive in a broad pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Make sure you test your soil before planting your seed to decide if the pH range of the soil is lacking any nutrients in it.
If it is deficient in nutrients, please amend, or rather, work on the soil. You can get well-rotted compost to enhance the quality of poor drainage and assist with water retention.
The top of the turnip green is not as susceptible to dry ground as the root, but you still have to give them their favorite thing, which is water. To make your soil moist, you can add an inch of mulch like leaves or straw.
Once you discover that your leaves are a few inches above the soil, it is advisable to side-dress them with fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Blood meal and bat guano are splendid to consider.
What Plant Can You Grow Turnip Green With?
It is not a bad idea to plant your turnip greens with other plants with which they are companions. Examples of those plants are cloves, black medic, peas, beans, or vetch. Use any of the above crops listed as cover crops.
Managing Pests and Disease
Turnip greens are short-growing seasonal crops, which makes it difficult for pests and diseases to thrive during their growing period to the harvesting stage.
Turnip greens have few problems with pests and diseases, which are provoking disturbers to the plant because once they surface in your raised bed, they can cause great damage.
The rabbit will nibble into the leaves and eat up your turnip greens until they are useless. Young plants go through this problem because rabbits prefer the upcoming plants.
But for large turnips, voles are a real issue because they feed on the large and tasty roots of the turnip green.
Controlling Turnip Green Problems
To control all the pests and diseases in your turnip green raised bed, you will need to limit the amount of cover by eliminating weeds and other unwanted plants.
Conclusion
Turnip greens can adapt to partial shade. If you have some shade towards your raised bed, the afternoon shade is excellent. Make sure your soil is always moist, not wet. I believe I have been able to teach you how to plant turnip greens in raised beds.
