How to Harvest and Store Turnips

Turnips are a delicious vegetable with edible  greens and roots. Turnips grown in your garden or in containers can be harvested within 35 to 60 days of planting. Their ability to thrive in cool weather makes it possible to plant these vegetables at a time when others won't grow. Turnips are most commonly planted early in spring before the last frost and in late summer or early autumn. If stored correctly, the turnip root can keep for several months.

Follow these steps to harvest and store home-grown turnips for best results.

Step 1 - Harvest Turnip Greens

The greens of the turnip grow on top of the soil, and they will be ready for harvesting halfway through the growing season for the roots. So, if your roots take 45 days for harvest, your greens should be ready after about 22 days. Harvest greens when they are about 4 to 6 inches long. Cut them off within an inch from the bottom with shears. Turnip greens will grow back after cutting; one plant may yield several sets of turnip greens.

Step 2 - Prepare and Store Turnip Greens

Turnip greens will last about 1 week in the refrigerator. Turnip greens are the most nutritious part of the plant and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Step 3 - Harvest Turnip Roots

The roots of turnips should be harvested when they are between 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Think of a golf ball or tennis ball for a  visual. Dig a couple inches around the plant with a shovel, being sure not to stab the root. Pierced roots will not be able to be stored less than an inch of stem. Turnip roots should be harvested while they are young and tender; waiting too long will produce a tough and woody root with an overly strong taste.

Step 4- Prepare and Store Turnip Roots

Turnip roots can be stored in a refrigerator crisper drawer for several months. Another common way to store turnips is in a root cellar covered in sawdust. Turnips should be stored in temperatures between 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If necessary, you can store turnips under the ground until you are ready to use them. Just cover plants with a heavy layered mulch of straw, leaves and branches.

Turnips roots can be eaten raw (they are good in salads) or prepared as you would a potato. Turnip roots can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried, stewed, deep-fried, baked, grilled or broiled. Boiling turnips and mashing with butter and herbs is a delicious and easy way to eat turnip roots.