How to intercrop turnip
How to intercrop turnip
The turnip (Brassica rapa L.) is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, widely cultivated as a vegetable, of which the leaves, the root (turnip), the flowering tops, the oily seed are consumed, depending on the botanical variety.
It is an annual or biennial species, of which the fleshy root, as mentioned, takes the name of turnip.
It is a root with a rounded shape, sometimes rather squat, covered with a white/pink, white/purple or yellow skin depending on the variety. The inside is made up of a white or yellowish paste, depending on the variety, with a slightly sweetish taste.
The turnip is generally eaten cooked with butter or olive oil and salt or more rarely raw, even grated. It is part of the giardiniera and is the main component of a typical Friulian dish, the brovada.
It is a plant grown in various areas and with a considerable number of varieties.
Turnips benefit from companion planting with other plants, including: garlic, dill, beetroot, borage, cucumber, onion, aromatic herbs, beans, strawberries, lettuce, peas, radishes, celery, spinach and courgettes.
However, companion plants should be avoided: cabbage, corn, potatoes and leeks.
Therefore, turnips benefit from companion planting with other plant species to improve growth, health and yield. Here are some plants that can be effectively companion planted with turnips:
Legumes (beans, peas): legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and promoting the growth of turnips.
Lettuce: Lettuce can be planted between turnips, helping to shade the soil and reduce weed growth.
Spinach: Spinach can be planted with turnips, as it grows quickly and can help protect turnips from damage caused by wind and excessive sun.
Celery: Celery can help repel some pests due to its strong aroma.
Herbs (dill, chamomile, cilantro, mint): Some herbs can help repel pests and improve the flavor of turnips.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Radishes grow quickly and can be harvested before turnips need more space, providing good ground cover in the early stages of growth.
Onions and garlic: These plants help repel common turnip pests, such as root fly.
Species to avoid include potatoes that can compete with turnips for nutrients and water and can also increase the risk of common diseases such as downy mildew. Cabbages and other brassicas can also increase the risk of specific diseases and pests.
Strategic companion planting can lead to a healthier, more productive garden while reducing the need for chemical treatments.