How to Grow Turnips? Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
Turnip, also known as field mustard or kohlrabi-like root, is a biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Brassica, native to Europe, and is now also widely cultivated in China. The main value of the turnip lies in its root, which can be used as a vegetable for eating and is also an excellent feed. So how do you grow turnips? Let's learn the turnip planting methods together below.
1. Seedbed Preparation
For the turnip seedbed, we generally choose sandy loam soil that is loose, has a relatively deep soil layer, is convenient for drainage and irrigation, is close to a water source, and is relatively fertile. We should carry out fine tillage of the seedbed, spread sufficient farmyard manure, mix it evenly with the soil in the seedbed, and make flat beds. At the same time, drainage ditches should be reserved to facilitate irrigation and drainage.
2. Sowing and Raising Seedlings
Turnip seedling cultivation generally adopts the direct seeding method, though drilling can also be used. The best time for raising seedlings is from the end of August to mid-September each year, when excellent turnip varieties are selected for sowing and raising seedlings. When sowing, the amount of seed should be reasonably planned according to the area planted in the field, the seeds should be evenly scattered in the soil, and a layer of rice straw should be used as cover, or well-rotted stable manure can also be used for covering with excellent results. After the seedlings emerge, the rice straw and covering material should be removed, and thinning should be carried out reasonably, with one application of manure and urine water to promote the growth of the seedlings. Finally, to prevent turnip seedlings from being harmed by aphids and some leaf-eating insects during the seedling stage, generally a spray of Yibianjing is applied once every week for control. At the same time, during the process of raising seedlings, water should be reasonably controlled so as not to affect the growth of the seedlings.
3. Field Preparation
The selection conditions for the turnip field are basically similar to those for the seedbed, but there are still certain differences in land preparation. Field preparation for turnips does not need to be as fine as that for the seedbed, and does not require so much time. Generally, it is enough to combine base fertilizer application with deep plowing, and make beds about 1.5 m wide, with water ditches opened and all ditches interconnected. Once ready, transplanting and planting can be carried out.
4. Transplanting and Establishing Seedlings
When transplanting seedlings, we should try not to damage the root system of the turnip plants, as this will affect the survival rate of turnip planting. So when pulling up the seedlings, it is best to dig them out together with the base soil, which can avoid this situation. Then plant them at a row spacing of 40 cm and a plant spacing of 35 cm, with the best planting density being about 500 plants per mu. When planting, dig holes and try to spread the root system out so as not to affect the later enlargement of the turnip root tuber, and after filling the soil, press it firm and water it.
5. Field Management
About half a month after planting, apply an appropriate amount of farmyard manure and urine water, and then apply it again about ten days later, which can promote the growth rate of the stems and leaves of the turnip plants. By the end of October and in November, apply urea once each. Before topdressing, it is best to carry out cultivating and weeding, which helps the absorption of nutrients and avoids the consumption of nutrients. In addition, during the growth process of turnips, we also need to water and drain in a timely manner to promote the growth of the turnip root tuber and maintain the moisture and tenderness of the root tuber. The last thing to pay attention to is preventing the harm of pests and diseases to turnips, strengthening field management, and using chemical control when necessary.
The above are the turnip planting methods that the editor wants to share with everyone today, and I hope they can help you. In fact, the planting method of turnips is very similar to that of radishes. If there is anything you still do not understand, you can also refer to the radish planting method to grow turnips. Of course, if you want to learn more detailed content, you can also leave a message for the editor for consultation.