TURNIP 



285 



TURNIP (Brassica rapa) is a hardy biennial grown 

 for its roots, usually as a spring and fall crop. It is 

 managed much like other root-crops when in the 

 ground, but early planting is desirable for the first 

 crop, for if the plant does not grow quickly and con- 



Fig. 138. Turnip seedlings. Two-thirds natural size. 



tinuously it is likely to be stringy, while it suffers in 

 heat. Proper soil and thinning are necessary in Turnip 

 culture. Varieties are many, depending upon the shape 

 of the roots, which vary from long through short to 

 round and flat. Diseases and pests are sometimes 

 troublesome. 



Soil. Should be rich and cool, not recently manured 

 and in fine condition. 



Distances Rows a foot apart or more. Thin to 

 stand finally to six to nine inches in the row, according 

 to variety, by two or three thinnings ; the pulled plants 

 may be eaten. 



Depth. One-half to one inch. 



