Name:
Turnip

How many plants for average family:
12 per person

Type of plant:  
annual

Best Varieties:
Purple Top White Globe is most popular and reliable.
Warm climates can try Early Snowball or Golden Ball.
Many heirloom varieties available.

Sowing:
Best sown direct but needs constant moisture.
Cover with old paling fence post or strip of hessian to keep moist until
germination.
Mix seed with sand to help spread small seed when sowing.
Sow every 2 weeks for successive cropping.

Growing Habit:
Root crop vegetable grown both for root and leaves.

Growing Conditions:
Grow in sandy loam soil for best results.
Apply Seaweed solution or suphate of potash at planting for root
development.
Like most root crops, the turnip doesn't like its soil too rich with fresh
manure, so plant them after another crop has been grown in the same soil.
Soem shade can help retain moisture and prevents turnips become dry and
woody.

Companions:
Apple, lovage, marjoram.

Problems:
Too much nitrogen fertilizer can produce large tops at the expense of root.
Inconsistent watering can cause splits.
Caterpillars can be controlled by chill/molasses spray or dipel.