Companion Planting with Turnips
Brassica rapa
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Turnips (Brassica rapa) are a cool-season root vegetable that can be grown for both their roots and greens. They can benefit from companion planting, which can help promote healthier growth, enhance flavors, and provide natural pest control. Here are some plants that pair well with turnips:
Peas (Pisum sativum): Peas help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit turnips. They also grow well in cool weather, making them a suitable companion for turnips.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Radishes can help to break up the soil, which can benefit turnip root development. They also mature quickly, allowing for successive planting.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum ): Nasturtiums are good companion plants as they can help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects like pollinators.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): Lettuce has shallow roots and grows well in cool weather, making it a suitable companion for turnips. It can also help retain moisture in the soil.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Spinach is a cool-season crop that can grow well with turnips, helping to keep the soil moist and cool.
Garlic (Allium sativum) and onions (Allium cepa): Both garlic and onions can help deter pests that may affect turnips, such as root maggots.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala): Kale can be a good companion for turnips as they belong to the same plant family (Brassicaceae) and share similar growing conditions.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata): Cabbage is another Brassica family member that can grow well with turnips, sharing similar growing conditions and helping to deter pests.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis): Both broccoli and cauliflower can grow well with turnips, sharing similar growing conditions and deterring pests.
Aromatic herbs: Aromatic herbs like thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and sage (Salvia officinalis) can help repel pests and improve the overall health of the garden.
Marigolds (Tagetes ): Marigolds can help deter pests like nematodes and some insects, and their bright blooms add color to the garden.
When planting turnips with other vegetables, avoid planting them close to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) as they can compete for nutrients and may attract similar pests. Always consider the specific growing conditions and requirements of each plant when planning your garden. By planting compatible companions, you can create a more diverse, healthy, and productive garden.
Now you know What to plant with Turnips
