What Is the Best Soil Type for Turnips?
Turnips are hardy, cool-season vegetables that can be grown in a wide range of climates and conditions. Generally grown as an annual, turnips grow best in full sun or partial shade. They are usually harvested for their root-like tubers, but the leaves are also edible, and are common ingredients in salad mixes. Though adaptable, turnips grow best under specific soil conditions.
Soil Texture and Drainage
Drainage is a key consideration when planting turnips. This crop requires well-drained soil, and will not fare well in a wet, waterlogged location. Sandy and loamy soils tend to provide the best drainage, while heavy clay soils should be avoided. If your soil contains large amounts of clay, you can improve texture and drainage by incorporating sand or gypsum into the soil. You should water turnips during times of drought, but otherwise avoid watering to the point of saturation.
Turnips grow best in mildly acidic soils, with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If necessary, you can raise the pH of your soil by incorporating lime into the soil. Ground agricultural limestone is a common liming material, but dolomite and a number of alternative liming materials can also be effective. You can also lower the pH by incorporating sulfur or a sulfur compound like aluminum sulfate. Adding organic matter to the soil will also lower the pH gradually over time.
Turnips grow best in soil rich in organic matter, and incorporating a generous amount of compost into the soil before planting will help supply turnips with necessary nutrients. Commercial fertilizers are not always necessary, but applying a 5-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 3 pounds per 100 feet is generally beneficial. A soil test will reveal if additional fertilization is necessary.
Soil testing is the most effective way to understand the nutrient content of your soil. Soil test kits are available at most garden stores, and the results will reveal both the nutrient content and pH of your soil. This can be used as a guide for selecting and applying soil amendments for turnips.
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