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Turnips grow best in full sun when temperatures range from 40° to 75°F. As soon as the garden can be worked, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Mix in 2 to 4 inches of aged manure and/or compost. Add more to heavy, clay soil to improve drainage.When to Plant TurnipsFor a late spring harvest, sow turnip seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before the average last spring frost date.For an autumn harvest, sow turnips in late summer after summer crops of onions, squash, beans, or sweet corn.For a later autumn harvest, sow seeds in early autumn.How to Plant TurnipsBefore planting, mix in a nice low organic fertilizer (such as a 5-5-5) about 12 inches into the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen or you’ll get leafy greens at the expense of a big root. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.Sow seeds directly in the soil ¼ to ½ of an inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.You can also scatter turnip seed and thin later.Cover seeds with not more than ½ an inch of soil.Water well and consistently.Protect spring crops from pests with row covers at planting.GROWINGOnce seedlings are 4 inches high, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. Crowding can result in small or malformed roots. If you grow them any closer than 4 inches, they’re not going to grow.Keep the beds weed-free, but be careful of disturbing the root of young turnips.Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.Turnips do not need much care, but consistent soil moisture is important. Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist, One inch per week should prevent roots from becoming tough and bitter.