(Brassica rapa 'Purple Top White Globe')
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Purple Top White Globe Turnip is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the United States, and was first introduced in the 1881 D. M. Ferry seed catalog. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features 3-4" white fleshed turnips with purple skin above the soil line and white skin below. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to insecticides, and is both edible and medicinal!
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Brassica
Species: rapa
Variety: Purple Top White Globe Turnips
Native to: Europe
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual: Fruit
Biennial: Seeds
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Hardiness: Hardy. Turnips are a cool-weather crop and can survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees F.
Crops: Spring, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool. Turnip is a cool weather plant and needs cold to encourage it to store sugars in the root, rather than make foliage. In warm weather the roots often become pungent, bitter and woody. This is why spring planted turnips are rarely as good as those planted as a fall crop.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F. Turnip seed germinates quickly even at low temperatures
Start Indoors: No
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily. Full sun.
Water: Moderate. Turnips don't need a lot of water, but it should be available constantly and not fluctuate too much. If the soil gets too dry, they can get woody and may even bolt.
Feeder: Light. Low nitrogen. Low phosphorous. Low potassium. Turnips don't require a lot of nitrogen, unless you are growing them for greens, as this encourages foliage growth rather than root growth.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. A container for growing turnips should be at least 12" deep to allow for their roots. The seed should be planted 1/4" deep (never transplanted). Use a fairly rich soil mix that drains freely.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits.
Maintenance: Low
Plant Height:12-18"
Spacing: 4-6"
Produces: 3-4" white fleshed turnips with purple skin above the soil line and white skin below.
Hardiness Zones: 3-11
Genus: Brassica
Species: rapa
Variety: Purple Top White Globe Turnips
Native to: Europe
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual: Fruit
Biennial: Seeds
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Hardiness: Hardy. Turnips are a cool-weather crop and can survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees F.
Crops: Spring, Fall
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool. Turnip is a cool weather plant and needs cold to encourage it to store sugars in the root, rather than make foliage. In warm weather the roots often become pungent, bitter and woody. This is why spring planted turnips are rarely as good as those planted as a fall crop.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 40°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F. Turnip seed germinates quickly even at low temperatures
Start Indoors: No
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily. Full sun.
Water: Moderate. Turnips don't need a lot of water, but it should be available constantly and not fluctuate too much. If the soil gets too dry, they can get woody and may even bolt.
Feeder: Light. Low nitrogen. Low phosphorous. Low potassium. Turnips don't require a lot of nitrogen, unless you are growing them for greens, as this encourages foliage growth rather than root growth.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. A container for growing turnips should be at least 12" deep to allow for their roots. The seed should be planted 1/4" deep (never transplanted). Use a fairly rich soil mix that drains freely.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits.
Maintenance: Low
Plant Height:12-18"
Spacing: 4-6"
Produces: 3-4" white fleshed turnips with purple skin above the soil line and white skin below.
Hardiness Zones: 3-11
Soil Preparation
Soil Preference:
Soil PH: 6.0-7.5, Ideal 6.5-6.8. The Brassicas in general do well on fairly neutral, or even somewhat alkaline soil. They don't like acid soils, as anything below pH 6.5 encourages the notorious Clubroot. Turnips need to grow quickly for best quality, which requires a rich, loose, well drained (but moisture retentive) soil. Turnips are vulnerable to boron deficiency, but this shouldn't be a problem if you add lots of organic matter.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Like most root crops Turnips prefer a loose soil. If the soil is heavy, or compacted, it can be loosened by incorporating 2˝ of compost or aged manure. A good practice is to plant Turnips on soil that was thoroughly dug and manured for a previous crop (such as potatoes). Double digging is a good idea if the soil is very heavy.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard mix will supply any additional nutrients required and should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil, along with the compost. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Lime (Calcium), 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., before sowing, 1 time: Turnips don't like acidic soil, so add dolomitic lime if the pH is low. The amount needed will depend upon the soil type, but 5 pounds per 100 square feet would be a typical application.
Soil PH: 6.0-7.5, Ideal 6.5-6.8. The Brassicas in general do well on fairly neutral, or even somewhat alkaline soil. They don't like acid soils, as anything below pH 6.5 encourages the notorious Clubroot. Turnips need to grow quickly for best quality, which requires a rich, loose, well drained (but moisture retentive) soil. Turnips are vulnerable to boron deficiency, but this shouldn't be a problem if you add lots of organic matter.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Like most root crops Turnips prefer a loose soil. If the soil is heavy, or compacted, it can be loosened by incorporating 2˝ of compost or aged manure. A good practice is to plant Turnips on soil that was thoroughly dug and manured for a previous crop (such as potatoes). Double digging is a good idea if the soil is very heavy.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard mix will supply any additional nutrients required and should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil, along with the compost. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts green sand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Lime (Calcium), 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., before sowing, 1 time: Turnips don't like acidic soil, so add dolomitic lime if the pH is low. The amount needed will depend upon the soil type, but 5 pounds per 100 square feet would be a typical application.
When Cold, Cool: Turnip is a cool weather plant and needs cold to encourage it to store sugars in the root, rather than make foliage. In warm weather the roots often become pungent, bitter and woody. This is why spring planted turnips are rarely as good as those planted as a fall crop.
When outdoor temp: 40°F to 85°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 45°F. Turnip seed germinates quickly even at low temperatures
Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.5". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and 1/2" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 3-4", 9 plants per sq ft. Square Foot: Space the plants 3" apart.
Intensive beds: Space the plants 3-4" apart.
Spring Crop:
2-4 weeks before last frost date. Sow the seeds outside 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Note that as it gets warmer the flavor of the Turnips will deteriorate.
1. Broadcast or sow in drills.
2. Sow the seeds 1/4-1/2˝ deep and 1-4" apart for greens. Sow 2-6" apart for roots.
Fall Crop:
8-10 weeks before first frost date. Turnips do much better as a fall crop, as they have a longer period of cool weather. There are also less problems from insect pests. Fall Turnips are planted from July to September, so they reach maturity just before it starts to get cold.
1. Broadcast or sow in drills.
2. Sow the seeds 1/4-1/2˝ deep and 1-4" apart for greens. Sow 2-6" apart for roots.
Support: No
When outdoor temp: 40°F to 85°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 45°F. Turnip seed germinates quickly even at low temperatures
Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.5". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and 1/2" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 3-4", 9 plants per sq ft. Square Foot: Space the plants 3" apart.
Intensive beds: Space the plants 3-4" apart.
Spring Crop:
2-4 weeks before last frost date. Sow the seeds outside 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Note that as it gets warmer the flavor of the Turnips will deteriorate.
1. Broadcast or sow in drills.
2. Sow the seeds 1/4-1/2˝ deep and 1-4" apart for greens. Sow 2-6" apart for roots.
Fall Crop:
8-10 weeks before first frost date. Turnips do much better as a fall crop, as they have a longer period of cool weather. There are also less problems from insect pests. Fall Turnips are planted from July to September, so they reach maturity just before it starts to get cold.
1. Broadcast or sow in drills.
2. Sow the seeds 1/4-1/2˝ deep and 1-4" apart for greens. Sow 2-6" apart for roots.
Support: No
The best turnips are those that have grown rapidly, which can only occur if the plants have everything they need in the way of nutrients, light and water.
Water Needs: Moderate. Turnips don't need a lot of water, but it should be available constantly and not fluctuate too much. If the soil gets too dry, they can get woody and may even bolt. Water, 0.5 inch, regularly, 2 times a week Keep the soil evenly moist. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Low nitrogen. Low phosphorous. Low potassium. Turnips don't require a lot of nitrogen, unless you are growing them for greens, as this encourages foliage growth rather than root growth.
Weeding, regularly: regularly, 1 time a week Turnip can tolerate some weeds once it is established, but should be weeded carefully while small.
Side Dressing, after sowing: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., after sowing, 1 time. Give the plants a feed of compost tea, or liquid kelp (used as directed), once they get going (not too much nitrogen though).
Side Dressing, after planting: Mulch, 2", after planting, 1 time. OPTIONAL: Mulch is useful to prevent the soil drying out, to suppress weeds and to keep the soil cool.
Thinning, when 4" tall: 4" apart, when 4" tall, 1 time. Like other direct sown root crops, turnips need careful thinning and weeding. You can use the thinnings in the kitchen.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. Turnips don't need a lot of water, but it should be available constantly and not fluctuate too much. If the soil gets too dry, they can get woody and may even bolt. Water, 0.5 inch, regularly, 2 times a week Keep the soil evenly moist. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. Low nitrogen. Low phosphorous. Low potassium. Turnips don't require a lot of nitrogen, unless you are growing them for greens, as this encourages foliage growth rather than root growth.
Weeding, regularly: regularly, 1 time a week Turnip can tolerate some weeds once it is established, but should be weeded carefully while small.
Side Dressing, after sowing: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., after sowing, 1 time. Give the plants a feed of compost tea, or liquid kelp (used as directed), once they get going (not too much nitrogen though).
Side Dressing, after planting: Mulch, 2", after planting, 1 time. OPTIONAL: Mulch is useful to prevent the soil drying out, to suppress weeds and to keep the soil cool.
Thinning, when 4" tall: 4" apart, when 4" tall, 1 time. Like other direct sown root crops, turnips need careful thinning and weeding. You can use the thinnings in the kitchen.
Support: No
Harvesting
Ripening: Watch your plant because bolting is a common problem. Harvest earlier than later, watch your days to maturity and about 1 or 2 weeks before full maturity, pull a plant and test to see if it's ready. If it bolts, you can also eat the flowers.
Storage
In milder areas they can be left outside under mulch.
Storage Req: Ground
Storage Temp: 32-45°F
Storage Length: days
The root can be cut into cubes and frozen.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: days
The roots can be stored in a root cellar at 34 to 40˚ F (if it’s warmer than this they will eventually start growing).
Storage Req: Cool, Moist
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-90 days
The roots can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 14-28 days
Storage Req: Ground
Storage Temp: 32-45°F
Storage Length: days
The root can be cut into cubes and frozen.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: days
The roots can be stored in a root cellar at 34 to 40˚ F (if it’s warmer than this they will eventually start growing).
Storage Req: Cool, Moist
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-90 days
The roots can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 14-28 days
Turnips are cross pollinated by insects (that's why they have pretty flowers), so only one variety can be flowering within a half mile. The most common method of obtaining seed is to plant it in late summer, protect it over the winter (inside or outside), and allow it to flower in spring. It should be planted in blocks so insects are likely to visit many plants without going to other plants nearby. You collect the dry pods when they are ripe (they shatter easily so watch carefully), sift out the seeds, dry further and store. In milder areas turnips may self-seed if given the opportunity.
Seed Viability in Years: 3-5 Years
Germination Percentage: 75%
Seed Viability in Years: 3-5 Years
Germination Percentage: 75%
Culinary
Taste: Mild and sweet turnip.
Culinary Use: Small tender turnips can be eaten with the skin while larger turnips require peeling. Turnips can be roasted, steamed, used in soups, stews or pureed. In the South, turnips are often cooked with their greens. Turnips go well with other root vegetables such as carrots, celery root and parsnips.
Leaves: raw or cooked. The cooked leaves make an acceptable vegetable, though they are coarser than the related cabbage. They are more often used as a spring greens, sowing the plants in the autumn and allowing them t overwinter. Young leaves can also be added in small quantities to salads, they have a slightly hot cabbage-like flavor and some people find them indigestible.
Root: raw or cooked. Often used as a cooked vegetable, the young roots can also be grated and eaten in salads, they have a slightly hot flavor like a mild radish.
Culinary Use: Small tender turnips can be eaten with the skin while larger turnips require peeling. Turnips can be roasted, steamed, used in soups, stews or pureed. In the South, turnips are often cooked with their greens. Turnips go well with other root vegetables such as carrots, celery root and parsnips.
Leaves: raw or cooked. The cooked leaves make an acceptable vegetable, though they are coarser than the related cabbage. They are more often used as a spring greens, sowing the plants in the autumn and allowing them t overwinter. Young leaves can also be added in small quantities to salads, they have a slightly hot cabbage-like flavor and some people find them indigestible.
Root: raw or cooked. Often used as a cooked vegetable, the young roots can also be grated and eaten in salads, they have a slightly hot flavor like a mild radish.
Medicinal
A decoction of the leaves or stems is used in the treatment of cancer. The powdered seed is said to be a folk remedy for cancer. The crushed ripe seeds are used as a poultice on burns. Some caution should be exercised here since the seed of most brassicas is rubefacient. The root when boiled with lard is used for breast tumors. A salve derived from the flowers is said to help skin cancer.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Companion Planting
Companions: Peas are good companions for turnips due to their nitrogen fixing in the soil. Cabbage does well with turnips because of the turnip's tendency to repel certain pests.
Enemies: Do not plant potatoes, radishes or other root vegetables near your turnips. These vegetables will compete for nutrients with the turnips and reduce crop size and yield. Other plants that do not do well with turnips are delphinium, larkspur and mustard.
Enemies: Do not plant potatoes, radishes or other root vegetables near your turnips. These vegetables will compete for nutrients with the turnips and reduce crop size and yield. Other plants that do not do well with turnips are delphinium, larkspur and mustard.
Problems
Turnips are susceptible to the same pests as other brassicas: slugs & snails, cutworms, cabbage worms, wireworms, and flea beetles. Diseases include fusarium wilt, southern blight, soft rot, black rot, brown heart, damping off, and powdery mildew. Woody turnips may be caused by insufficient water or fertilizer or delayed harvesting.
Slugs & Snails
Beneficial insects such as earwigs and ground beetles prey on Slugs and Snails.
Earwig: prey on Slugs and Snails.
To attract Earwigs to your garden you will need to grow: Celery (Apium graveolens), Cabbages, Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea/Brassica rapa), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Dahlia, Carnation (Dianthus), Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), Apple (Malus domestica), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), Plum (Prunus domestica), Peach (Prunus persica), European Pear (Pyrus communis), Rhubarb (Rheum hybridum), Roses (Rosa), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), Corn (Zea mays), Zinnia.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado Potato Beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: Evening Primrose, Amaranthus, and Clover.
To attract Earwigs to your garden you will need to grow: Celery (Apium graveolens), Cabbages, Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea/Brassica rapa), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Dahlia, Carnation (Dianthus), Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), Apple (Malus domestica), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), Plum (Prunus domestica), Peach (Prunus persica), European Pear (Pyrus communis), Rhubarb (Rheum hybridum), Roses (Rosa), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), Corn (Zea mays), Zinnia.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado Potato Beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: Evening Primrose, Amaranthus, and Clover.
Cutworms
Beneficial insects such as Ground Beetles, Tachinid Flies, Braconid Wasps, Spiders, Minute Pirate Bugs, Damsel Bugs, Lacewing Larvae, and Birds all prey on Cutworms.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado potato beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, coriander, and buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, coriander, and buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Cabbageworms
Beneficial insects such as Braconid Wasps, Birds, Damsel Bugs, Tachinid Flies, and Yellow Jacket Wasps all prey on Cabbageworms.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, dill, coriander, and buckwheat.
Yellow Jacket Wasps: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Tachinid Flies: Prey on Cabbageworms, Gypsy Moths, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetle, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: carrots, dill, coriander, and buckwheat.
Yellow Jacket Wasps: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Wireworms
Beneficial insects such as Ground Beetles prey on Wireworms.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado Potato Beetles, Carrot Rust Fly Maggots, Wireworms, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Flea beetles
Beneficial insects such as Braconid wasps, Tachinid flies, Lacewings larvae, Damsel bugs, and Big Eyed Bug all prey on Flea Beetles.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Nutrition
A 1-cup serving of boiled, mashed turnips contains 51 calories and provides 76 milligrams of calcium, 21 milligrams of magnesium and 407 milligrams of potassium. The same serving size also provides 26 milligrams of vitamin C. A 1-cup serving of raw turnip greens provides 104 milligrams of calcium, or 13 percent of your daily requirement, and 163 milligrams of potassium. Turnip greens are also a good source of vitamin C, with 33 milligrams per cup, vitamin A, with 6,373 International Units, or IUs, per cup -- about 64 percent of your daily requirement -- and vitamin K, with 318 IUs per cup -- about three times the daily adult requirement. While the turnip root is considered a starchy vegetable, it contains only a third of the calories in a potato.
The Health Benefits of Turnips
Turnips are not only excellent at soaking up the flavor and adding a hearty element to your meals and stews, but these root vegetables also possess high levels of important nutrients and minerals that the body requires to function properly. Turnips are rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Amongst vitamins, they contain vitamin C, folate, and niacin. These vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories and are typically inexpensive, making them a logical choice for inclusion in any healthy diet.
Improve Heart Health: Turnips have a number of essential nutrients that our body needs for proper functioning, including high levels of potassium and fiber. Potassium functions as a vasodilator, helping to reduce the strain on our blood vessels and arteries by lowering the blood pressure. This can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, as well as heart attacks and strokes. Dietary fiber, on the other hand, is excellent for scraping excess cholesterol from the heart and eliminating it from the body.
Aid Digestion: Most people are aware that dietary fiber is very important in the digestive process. It can help to treat symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, cramping, and bloating, as well as gastric issues that can occasionally arise. So the fiber present in turnips can help to bulk up the stool and move it through the gut while promoting more efficient uptake of nutrients so we get the most from our food.
Improve Blood Circulation: The significant level of iron found in turnips makes them an asset if you suffer from low blood cell count or anemia. Iron is required in the formation of RBC that are needed by the body to oxygenate, repair, and run the body’s organ systems. Therefore, more iron means better circulation to every extremity of the body.
Boost Immune System: Vitamin C and ascorbic acid, present in large quantities in turnips are important boosters for our immune system. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and reducing chronic health concerns like cancer and heart diseases.
Improve Bone Strength: Calcium, in turnips, can help aid in the growth and repair of bone matter throughout our body. It is essential in boosting the bone mineral density, especially as we grow older and begin to suffer from arthritis and osteoporosis. If you want to add some strength and durability to your bones, add these calcium-rich foods to your diet!
Prevent Cancer: Aside from vitamin C, turnips provide considerable levels of vitamin E, manganese, and beta-carotene, all of which function as antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can induce further cell mutation or drive the spread of cancer. Antioxidants found in turnips help to prevent chronic health conditions over the long term and should always be considered an important part of your diet.
Fight Inflammation: The turnip greens are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K, which are important if you suffer from any inflammatory conditions. These ‘good’ fats can lower inflammation, balance cholesterol levels, and promote overall wellness. So boil down those leaves and enjoy the benefits, particularly if you suffer from gout, arthritis or chronic pain.
Boost Metabolism: The B family of vitamins is often overlooked, but without them, our hormonal and enzymatic processes would be very difficult to control, and all of our bodily functions would be compromised. Turnips supply a healthy dose of vitamin B to the body, ensuring that all of our organ systems are functioning properly and that our hormone levels are stable.
Improve Heart Health: Turnips have a number of essential nutrients that our body needs for proper functioning, including high levels of potassium and fiber. Potassium functions as a vasodilator, helping to reduce the strain on our blood vessels and arteries by lowering the blood pressure. This can prevent the development of atherosclerosis, as well as heart attacks and strokes. Dietary fiber, on the other hand, is excellent for scraping excess cholesterol from the heart and eliminating it from the body.
Aid Digestion: Most people are aware that dietary fiber is very important in the digestive process. It can help to treat symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, cramping, and bloating, as well as gastric issues that can occasionally arise. So the fiber present in turnips can help to bulk up the stool and move it through the gut while promoting more efficient uptake of nutrients so we get the most from our food.
Improve Blood Circulation: The significant level of iron found in turnips makes them an asset if you suffer from low blood cell count or anemia. Iron is required in the formation of RBC that are needed by the body to oxygenate, repair, and run the body’s organ systems. Therefore, more iron means better circulation to every extremity of the body.
Boost Immune System: Vitamin C and ascorbic acid, present in large quantities in turnips are important boosters for our immune system. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and reducing chronic health concerns like cancer and heart diseases.
Improve Bone Strength: Calcium, in turnips, can help aid in the growth and repair of bone matter throughout our body. It is essential in boosting the bone mineral density, especially as we grow older and begin to suffer from arthritis and osteoporosis. If you want to add some strength and durability to your bones, add these calcium-rich foods to your diet!
Prevent Cancer: Aside from vitamin C, turnips provide considerable levels of vitamin E, manganese, and beta-carotene, all of which function as antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can induce further cell mutation or drive the spread of cancer. Antioxidants found in turnips help to prevent chronic health conditions over the long term and should always be considered an important part of your diet.
Fight Inflammation: The turnip greens are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K, which are important if you suffer from any inflammatory conditions. These ‘good’ fats can lower inflammation, balance cholesterol levels, and promote overall wellness. So boil down those leaves and enjoy the benefits, particularly if you suffer from gout, arthritis or chronic pain.
Boost Metabolism: The B family of vitamins is often overlooked, but without them, our hormonal and enzymatic processes would be very difficult to control, and all of our bodily functions would be compromised. Turnips supply a healthy dose of vitamin B to the body, ensuring that all of our organ systems are functioning properly and that our hormone levels are stable.
Turnip root peelings contain a natural insecticide. The chopped roots can be brewed into a tea with flaked soap, this is then strained before use. It is effective against aphids, red spider mites and flies.