Direct sow heirloom eastham turnip seeds a few weeks before the last frost, when the soil and weather are cool but getting warmer. Thin rigorously to 1 ft or 15 inches apart– these guys need their elbow room!
LIGHT PREFERENCE partial-full sun
SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Fairly well-composted soil, but not too fussy otherwise.
PLANT HEIGHT
12-18 inches
PLANT SPACING
12-15 inches
HARDINESS ZONES
Hardy to 25F (at least–but harvest before things get too cold!)
HARVEST
Harvest in October in the Northeast, or after the first few frosts elsewhere.
USES & COOKING SUGGESTIONS
Use steamed and mashed as an alternative to mashed potatoes.
Wash, peel and chop in 1 inch cubes, coat with olive oil, salt and rosemary and roast until tender in a 400F oven.
Use in soups:
Autumn Puree of Turnip soup:
Wash, peel and chop 1/2 a turnip in 1 inch cubes
Wash, and chop 1 leek
Sautee leek and turnip together with a little butter, then add
Enough liquid to cover–approximately 1/2 milk and 1/2 chicken or vegetable stock with a dash of nutmeg