A Guide to Successful Turnip Companion Planting: 20 Ideal Companions

Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of companion planting, and we’re focusing on a root vegetable that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: turnips. Turnips are not only delicious and versatile in the kitchen but can also be incredibly beneficial when strategically planted alongside other vegetables and herbs in your garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of turnip companion planting, revealing the secrets to boosting your garden’s health, productivity, and overall beauty.

Turnips

Understanding Turnips and Their Benefits

Before we dive into the specifics of companion planting with turnips, let’s take a moment to appreciate these humble root vegetables. Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) are a cool-season crop with a long history of cultivation dating back thousands of years. They’re known for their crisp, peppery roots and tender, leafy greens. Here are some key benefits of growing turnips in your garden:

1. Nutrient-Rich Harvest: Turnips are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
2. Dual Yield: When you plant turnips, you get two harvests for the effort of one – the root and the greens. The greens are a tasty, nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries.
3. Soil Improvement: Turnips have long taproots that can help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and water infiltration.
4. Pest Management: Turnips can act as a trap crop for certain pests, drawing them away from other vulnerable plants.

Now that we’ve established why turnips are worth growing let’s explore how to harness their potential through companion planting.

The Basics of Companion Planting

Companion planting is like nature’s version of matchmaking, where you pair up plants that benefit each other in some way. This practice involves planting different species in close proximity to encourage mutually beneficial relationships. Before we delve into turnip companions, let’s review some fundamental concepts:

1. Complementary Growth Habits: Pair plants with differing growth habits to maximize space and light utilization. For example, tall crops like tomatoes can provide shade to low-growing turnips.
2. Biochemical Interactions: Some plants produce compounds that can repel or attract certain pests. Marigolds, for example, are known for deterring nematodes, making them great companions for turnips.
3. Nutrient Exchange: Certain plants can enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen or accumulating minerals. Legumes like beans and peas are excellent nitrogen fixers to consider in your garden.
4. Pest Management: By strategically placing plants that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Turnip Companion Planting: Ideal Plants

Now that we’re well-versed in the basics, let’s get to the heart of the matter: which plants make the best companions for turnips?

1. Lettuce and Spinach: These leafy greens make perfect companions for turnips. They grow quickly and provide shade to the young turnip plants, helping to keep the soil cool and moist.
2. Radishes: Radishes are a close relative of turnips and share similar growth requirements. They mature faster than turnips, so they won’t compete for resources for long.
3. Carrots: Carrots and turnips are like the dynamic duo of root crops. Their growth habits are compatible, and they don’t compete for space since one grows underground (carrots) and the other above ground (turnips).
4. Chives and Onions: These aromatic herbs can deter pests that commonly afflict turnips, such as aphids and cabbage worms. Plus, they add a flavorful touch to your garden and culinary creations.
5. Marigolds: As mentioned earlier, marigolds are excellent at repelling nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests. Plant them as a border around your turnip bed for maximum effect.
6. Beans and Peas: These legumes are nitrogen-fixing powerhouses. By planting them near turnips, you’ll boost the soil’s nitrogen levels, which is essential for turnip growth.
7. Nasturtiums: These vibrant, edible flowers serve as a trap crop for aphids, keeping them away from your turnips.
8. Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests.
9. Beets: Beets and turnips are like garden buddies who complement each other perfectly. Beets are relatively low-growing, so they won’t shade the turnips excessively. Plus, their vibrant foliage adds a splash of color to your garden bed.
10. Lettuce Varieties: While we’ve already mentioned lettuce as a companion, don’t limit yourself to one type. Try various lettuce varieties like romaine, leaf, and butterhead to create a visually appealing and tasty blend alongside your turnips.
11. Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi is another member of the Brassica family, just like turnips. Their similar growth habits and nutritional needs make them ideal companions. Plus, kohlrabi’s unique bulbous stem adds a quirky touch to your garden.
12. Celery: Celery is a fantastic companion for turnips, thanks to its tall, shade-casting stalks. It can provide a bit of relief during hot summer days, keeping the soil around the turnips cooler and moister.
13. Borage: Borage is like the guardian angel of your garden. It not only deters pests like tomato hornworms but also attracts pollinators like bees with its beautiful blue flowers. Plant it alongside your turnips to keep your garden buzzing with life.
14. Cilantro: If you enjoy the bright flavors of cilantro in your cooking, consider it as a companion to your turnips. It repels aphids and attracts beneficial insects, making it a double-duty addition to your garden.
15. Tarragon: This aromatic herb isn’t just for your kitchen; it’s a wonderful companion for turnips. Tarragon deters many common pests and helps create a harmonious garden environment.
16. Calendula: Known as the “poor man’s saffron” due to its golden-orange petals, calendula adds a burst of color to your garden and attracts beneficial insects. Plus, its edible flowers can be used in salads or as a saffron substitute in recipes. Additionally, Calendula has medicinal properties, which makes it an ideal choice for medicinal gardening.
17. Mint: Mint is a great companion if you have trouble with aphids and rodents. Its strong aroma can confuse and deter these garden pests. However, be mindful that mint can be invasive, so it’s best to plant it in a container or a dedicated area of your garden.
18. Cabbage Family: While it might seem counterintuitive, planting turnips alongside other members of the cabbage family, like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, can help deter cabbage worms. The aroma of different Brassicas can confuse these pests.
19. Sunflowers: These towering beauties not only add a touch of grandeur to your garden but also attract pollinators and provide shade for your turnips during the hottest part of the day.
20. Chamomile: Chamomile’s tiny daisy-like flowers not only look adorable but also attract beneficial insects while deterring some common pests. You can even harvest the flowers for a soothing herbal tea.

Remember, the key to successful companion planting is observation and experimentation. What works in one garden might not work in another due to different microclimates, soil conditions, and pest pressures. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideal companions for turnips to find the perfect combination for your unique garden.

Infographic: Ideal Companions Chart – Turnip Companion Planting

Infographic: Turnip Companion Planting – Ideal Companions

Turnip Companion Planting Benefits

Turnips themselves also do provide certain benefits when used as companion plants. Let’s delve into the wonderful world of turnips as companion plants. These root vegetables may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of companion planting, but they can offer several valuable advantages to your garden. Here’s a closer look at how turnips can be excellent companions to other plants:

1. Pest Deterrence: Turnips release natural compounds and odors that can help deter certain garden pests. Their scent can confuse or repel insects like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, which are common troublemakers for many garden crops. By planting turnips alongside susceptible vegetables, you create a protective barrier that can reduce pest damage.

2. Soil Improvement: Turnips have a remarkable ability to enhance soil health. Their long taproots help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and water infiltration. Additionally, as turnip roots decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, enriching it with valuable nutrients and encouraging beneficial microbial activity. This makes the soil more fertile and conducive to the growth of neighboring plants.

3. Nutrient Exchange: Turnips are known for their ability to absorb nutrients, including nitrogen and minerals, from the soil. This can be advantageous when planted alongside other vegetables with different nutrient requirements. As turnips take up nutrients, they release some of them back into the soil when their leaves decompose, making these nutrients available to nearby plants. This nutrient-sharing can improve the overall nutrient balance in your garden.

4. Disease Suppression: Some studies suggest that turnips may have natural disease-suppressing properties. While not a guarantee, the compounds produced by turnip plants could help reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases affecting other crops in the vicinity. This potential benefit makes them an interesting addition to your garden’s disease management strategy.

5. Shade and Moisture Regulation: Turnip leaves provide valuable shade to the soil, especially during the hot summer months. This shade helps to keep the soil temperature cooler and prevents it from drying out too quickly. This benefit is particularly useful for shallow-rooted plants that may struggle with excessive heat and moisture loss.

So, there you have it! Turnips bring more to the table than just their delicious roots and greens. They can be valuable allies in your garden, contributing to pest control, soil enrichment, nutrient exchange, disease management, and moisture regulation. When strategically planted alongside other vegetables and herbs, turnips can play a crucial role in creating a thriving and harmonious garden ecosystem.

Infographic: Turnip Companion Planting Benefits – Bar Chart

Infographic: Turnip Companion Planting Benefits

Infographic: Turnip Companion Planting – Pest Deterrence Pie Chart

Here is a pie chart illustrating the effectiveness of ideal companion plants (mentioned before) in deterring common pests from turnips, with categories like “Highly Effective,” “Moderately Effective,” and “Not Effective.”

• Highly Effective: This category includes companion plants that are highly effective at deterring common pests from turnips.
• Moderately Effective: These companion plants provide some level of pest deterrence but may not be as potent as the highly effective options.
• Not Effective: Some companion plants may not have a significant impact on pest deterrence when planted alongside turnips. This category reflects those that, while they may have other benefits, aren’t particularly strong in deterring common pests.

Infographic: Turnip Companion Planting – Pest Deterrence Pie Chart

Turnip Companion Planting: Layouts and Strategies

Now, it’s time to discuss how to design your garden for success. Here are some layout ideas and strategies for incorporating turnips into your garden:

1. Intercropping: This involves planting turnips and their companion plants in close proximity. For example, you can alternate rows of turnips with rows of lettuce or radishes. This maximizes space utilization and minimizes competition.
2. Successional Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, stagger your planting dates. Start with a few rows of turnips, and then follow up with successive plantings every few weeks. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed with a single massive harvest.
3. Companion Planting Beds: Create dedicated companion planting beds where you group together plants that benefit each other. For example, a bed could consist of turnips, carrots, and chives.
4. Vertical Gardening: If you have limited space, consider vertical gardening techniques like trellises for peas and beans. This way, you can maximize the use of vertical space while planting turnips below.
5. Container Gardening: Don’t have a lot of garden space? No problem! Many companion plants, including turnips, can be grown in containers on a patio or balcony.

Turnip Companion Planting: Pest Management

One of the most valuable aspects of companion planting is its role in pest management. By carefully selecting companion plants, you can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and minimize the need for chemical interventions. Here’s how to use this strategy effectively in your garden:

1. Trap Crops: As mentioned earlier, some plants act as “trap crops” that attract pests away from your main crops. Nasturtiums, for example, can lure aphids away from your turnips.
2. Repellent Plants: Certain aromatic herbs and flowers can deter common garden pests. For example, the scent of marigolds and chives can discourage aphids, while dill can deter cabbage worms.
3. Beneficial Insects: Attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help control pest populations. Planting nectar-rich flowers like marigolds and dill can lure these helpful bugs into your garden.
4. Companion Plant Diversity: The more diverse your garden, the less susceptible it is to large-scale pest infestations. Mixing different companion plants ensures that a single pest won’t find a buffet of its preferred food.

Soil Health and Nutrient Exchange

Companion planting isn’t just about deterring pests and maximizing space; it’s also about enhancing soil health. Turnips, like many other vegetables, benefit from healthy soil with the right nutrient balance. Here’s how companion planting can improve your soil:

1. Nitrogen Fixation: Legumes like peas and beans are nitrogen-fixing plants. They have a special relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, which pull nitrogen from the air and make it available in the soil. This nitrogen boost is excellent for turnip growth.
2. Mineral Accumulators: Some companion plants are mineral accumulators, meaning they draw specific nutrients from deep in the soil and make them available to neighboring plants. For example, comfrey is known for its deep taproots that bring up minerals like potassium and calcium.
3. Soil Structure: Turnips have long taproots that can help break up compacted soil, improving drainage and aeration. This is especially helpful in the case of heavy clay soil.
4. Disease Suppression: Certain companion plants, like marigolds, release compounds into the soil that can suppress soil-borne diseases, reducing the risk of root rot and other issues.

Crop Rotation with Turnips

Crop rotation is an essential practice in any garden, and it plays a significant role in turnip cultivation. Rotating your crops can help prevent soil depletion, control pests and diseases, and maintain overall soil health. Here’s how to incorporate turnips into your crop rotation plan:

1. Rotate with Brassicas: Turnips belong to the Brassica family, which includes other members like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Avoid planting turnips in the same spot as these relatives for at least two years to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
2. Follow Legumes: After a season of growing nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas or beans, plant turnips in that area. The increased nitrogen levels will benefit the turnip crop.
3. Mind Your Soil: Pay attention to your soil’s needs and limitations. If your soil is sandy and low in organic matter, consider planting turnips after a season of cover crops or compost incorporation to improve its fertility.
4. Plan for Succession: As part of your crop rotation plan, think about when you’ll be planting turnips and how they fit into your overall garden calendar. This helps ensure a continuous supply of turnips and keeps your soil in top condition.

Tips for Successful Turnip Companion Planting

Now that you’re well-versed in the art of turnip companion planting, let’s wrap up with some essential tips to ensure your garden thrives:

1. Choose Companions Wisely: Not all plants make good companions for turnips. Be sure to research and select the right companions based on your garden’s specific needs.
2. Spacing Matters: Pay attention to spacing recommendations for both turnips and their companions. Crowded plants can lead to poor air circulation, which can increase the risk of disease.
3. Watering Considerations: Different plants have varying water requirements. Make sure that the companions you choose have similar moisture needs to avoid over- or under-watering.
4. Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your garden for signs of pests or disease. Early detection and action can prevent problems from getting out of hand.
5. Rotate Your Crops: Stick to a sound crop rotation plan to maintain soil health and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.
6. Experiment and Learn: Gardening is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different companion combinations and observe the results. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of what works best in your unique garden.

Turnip Companion Planting: Worst Companions

It’s just as crucial to know which plants can be less than friendly neighbors to your turnips. Avoiding these worst companion plants will help keep your turnip patch healthy and thriving. Let’s dive into the garden gossip about some not-so-great companions for turnips.

1. Potatoes: While turnips and potatoes are both delicious root vegetables, they don’t make great garden companions. They have similar nutrient requirements, which can lead to competition for essential elements like potassium and phosphorus. Plus, potatoes are susceptible to the same pests as turnips, like aphids and root maggots, so planting them together can create a pest buffet.
2. Onions and Garlic: We have mentioned onions as ideal companions earlier in this post. However, these aromatic alliums can stunt turnip growth and flavor due to their aggressive root systems. They also deter aphids, which may lead aphids to target your turnips instead. Later in this post we offer solutions to this dilemma.
3. Cucumbers and Squash: These vining plants are notorious for spreading and taking up lots of space. They can quickly shade out your turnips and hog the sunlight. Plus, cucumbers and squash are susceptible to powdery mildew, which can spread to your turnip leaves.
4. Fennel: Fennel has a unique charm with its feathery foliage and anise-like aroma, but it’s not the best companion for turnips. It can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including turnips, due to its allelopathic properties.
5. Strawberries: As much as you might adore strawberries, they can be challenging neighbors for turnips. Strawberries spread rapidly and create dense ground cover that shades out turnips and competes for nutrients.
6. Mint: We mentioned mint as a potential companion for deterring pests, but it can be a bit too aggressive if not contained. Mint can quickly overrun your turnip patch, leaving little room for anything else to grow.
7. Tall Corn: Corn is a towering plant that can cast significant shade in your garden. Planting turnips near tall corn can stunt their growth and reduce the quality of your turnip harvest. This post provides solutions to this as a sub-section later in this post.
8. Tomatoes: Tomatoes, while beloved by many, are not the best company for turnips. They have similar water and nutrient needs, and their dense foliage can block sunlight from reaching turnip plants. Additionally, tomatoes can attract aphids, which may also affect your turnips.

Remember that the success of companion planting can vary depending on your specific garden conditions. What doesn’t work well in one garden might perform differently in another. The key is to observe and experiment, adapting your garden’s layout to create a harmonious and thriving ecosystem. So, as you plan your garden, be mindful of these less-than-ideal companions and make the best choices for your turnips’ health and growth.

Solving the Mint Dilemma

There are solutions to prevent mint from taking over your garden while still benefiting from its pest-repelling properties. Mint is a vigorous and invasive herb, but with a few strategies, you can enjoy its benefits without it becoming a nuisance:

1. Container Planting: The most effective way to control mint is to plant it in a container. Choose a large pot with good drainage, and plant your mint in it. This will prevent the mint from sending out runners and taking over your garden. Be sure to keep the pot well-contained and consider placing it on a patio or in a dedicated mint bed.
2. Barrier Method: If you want to plant mint in the ground but still keep it contained, consider using a barrier. Sink a bottomless container (like a plastic nursery pot) into the ground and plant your mint inside it. This will prevent its roots from spreading into the surrounding soil.
3. Regular Pruning: Keep your mint in check by regularly pruning it. Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from getting too tall and leggy. Pruning also helps remove any invasive runners.
4. Harvest Frequently: Use your mint regularly in cooking or for making herbal teas. Frequent harvesting not only keeps your mint productive but also helps control its growth.
5. Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around your mint plants to suppress weed growth and reduce the chance of mint runners establishing themselves in the surrounding soil.
6. Isolate Mint: If you want to enjoy the benefits of mint as a companion plant without any risk of it spreading, you can grow it in a separate area of your garden, well away from your turnips and other crops.
7. Divide and Conquer: Every few years, divide your mint plant to keep it healthy and under control. Dig the plant up, disperse it into segments, and plant it again. This not only controls its growth but also revitalizes the mint.

By employing these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of mint as a companion plant without it becoming an overwhelming presence in your garden. Just remember that mint is best suited to contained spaces, like containers or designated garden areas, to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Solving the Onion Dilemma

The solutions mentioned for mint, such as container planting, barrier methods, and isolation, are not typically necessary for onions. Onions generally don’t exhibit the same invasive behavior as mint, so they’re less likely to take over your garden. However, there are still some considerations when planting onions alongside turnips:

1. Spacing: When planting turnips and onions together, ensure that you provide adequate spacing between the two crops. This helps prevent competition for nutrients and space. Onions typically have a more upright growth habit, while turnips have a lower, spreading habit, making them compatible in terms of space utilization.
2. Complementary Growth: The key to successful companion planting with onions and turnips is their complementary growth habits. Onions grow mainly above ground, while turnips develop their edible roots below ground. This means they occupy different parts of the soil and shouldn’t interfere with each other’s growth.
3. Pest Deterrence: Onions are known for their pungent aroma, which can help deter some pests. They can be beneficial companions for turnips in this regard, as they may help repel certain insects that might otherwise bother your turnip crop.
4. Disease Management: Onions can also act as a natural repellent for pests and diseases that affect turnips. They can be particularly helpful in deterring onion fly, which is less likely to target your turnips if onions are present nearby.
5. Companion Planting Beds: Consider creating companion planting beds where you group together turnips, onions, and other compatible plants. This not only maximizes the benefits of companion planting but also makes it easier to manage and maintain your garden.

While you don’t need to take special containment measures with onions as you would with mint, it’s still essential to consider spacing and complementary growth habits when planting turnips alongside onions. When done correctly, the two can be mutually beneficial companions in your garden, helping each other thrive while deterring common pests and diseases.

Final Thoughts

Companion planting with turnips is a fantastic way to boost the productivity and health of your garden. By selecting the right companions, improving soil quality, and practicing smart crop rotation, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of delicious turnips and a thriving garden ecosystem.

Remember, gardening is a journey of discovery, and there’s always more to learn. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the wonderful world of turnip companion planting! Your garden will thank you with a cornucopia of delicious, homegrown delights. Happy gardening!

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Frequently Asked Questions: Turnip Companion Planting

Q1: Can I companion plant turnips with tomatoes in my garden?

A: It’s generally not recommended to companion plant turnips with tomatoes. While turnips can deter certain pests, they don’t have a strong impact on pests that commonly affect tomatoes, such as aphids and hornworms. Additionally, tomatoes have high water and nutrient requirements, which can compete with turnips for resources.

Q2: Can I plant turnips with sunflowers?

A: Yes, you can plant turnips alongside sunflowers. Sunflowers can provide valuable shade to turnips during hot summer days, preventing soil from drying out too quickly. Just be mindful of spacing to ensure both plants have enough room to grow without crowding each other.

Q3: What are some indoor companion plants for turnips?

A: When growing turnips indoors, consider companion plants like basil, cilantro, or parsley in containers. These herbs can deter pests and enhance the flavor of your turnip greens. Additionally, you can include indoor-friendly companion plants like marigolds or nasturtiums in nearby containers to help with pest management.

Q4: Can I grow turnips with carrots indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow turnips alongside carrots indoors, especially in larger containers or separate pots. They have compatible growth habits and can complement each other nicely. Just ensure that each plant has enough space to develop its roots without competing for nutrients.

Q5: Can I plant turnips with mint indoors?

A: It’s best to avoid planting mint indoors with turnips. Mint has a vigorous growth habit and can quickly overtake other plants in a confined space. It’s usually recommended to grow mint in a separate container to prevent it from dominating your indoor garden.

Q6: Are turnips good companions for indoor herbs like rosemary and thyme?

A: Turnips can coexist with indoor herbs like rosemary and thyme if you have ample space in your indoor garden. These herbs tend to have different growth habits and nutrient requirements, reducing the risk of competition. Just ensure that the herbs have enough light and don’t shade the turnips excessively.

Remember that when practicing indoor companion planting, you need to provide adequate lighting and container space for each plant to thrive. Indoor gardening allows you to experiment with a wide range of companions, expanding your options beyond what’s possible in an outdoor garden.

Q7: Can I plant turnips with other root vegetables like carrots and radishes in the same outdoor garden bed?

A: Yes, you can plant turnips with other root vegetables like carrots and radishes in the same garden bed. These root crops generally have compatible growth habits and can be planted together without significant issues. Just ensure proper spacing and consider their differing maturation times when planning your harvest.

Q8: Are there any flowers that can be good companions for turnips in my garden?

A: Yes, several flowers can be beneficial companions for turnips. Marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendula, for instance, can help deter pests while adding color to your garden. These flowers attract beneficial insects and create a more diverse and attractive garden ecosystem.

Q9: Can I plant turnips with herbs like dill and cilantro?

A: Absolutely! Turnips can thrive alongside herbs like dill and cilantro. These herbs can help deter pests and add a flavorful touch to your turnip greens. Just make sure to provide adequate spacing for each plant to grow without crowding.

Q10: Do turnips have any allelopathic effects on other plants in the garden?

A: Turnips are not known for strong allelopathic effects on other garden plants. However, it’s always a good practice to avoid planting them in the same area as other members of the Brassica family (like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower) for at least two years to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Q11: Can I use turnips as a cover crop in my garden?

A: Yes, you can use turnips as a cover crop. Their fast growth and ability to break up compacted soil make them a valuable cover crop option. You can sow them in the fall and allow them to overwinter, then till them into the soil in the spring to improve its structure and fertility.

Q12: Can turnips be used as a trap crop?

A: Turnips can be effective as a trap crop for certain pests, particularly aphids. Planting turnips near susceptible crops can divert aphids away from those crops and onto the turnips. This sacrificial planting can help protect your main crops from aphid infestations.