Tips for Growing Turnips in Your NYC Garden

Where it Fits in NYC

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Why I Grow It

I grow turnips because they are a unique addition to my urban garden. They require minimal effort and since they grow so quickly, I use them to fill gaps in my larger planters. I love to intercrop them with a companions plants like peas, radishes, spinach and lettuce to help improve the soil and fill in the space in between. Growing these in pots is a space-saving way to live more sustainably.

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Growth Essentials

Light

Turnips require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.

Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in deep pots or garden beds.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature

Turnips are a cool weather crop and thrive in 40-75°F, ideally 60-65°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Cooler weather ensures tender roots.

Containers

Indoors: 8-10" wide, 10" deep, 2-3 gallons.

‍Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 12" deep, 3-5 gallons.

Soil

Turnips thrive in loose, well-draining potting mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

Fertilizer

Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer 5-10-10 every 3-4 weeks.

Organic Options: bone meal, rock phosphate, compost. Balanced feeding promotes robust root growth.

Harvesting Tips

Remove yellowing leaves to maintain plant health. Regular care helps produce tender, flavorful turnips.

Harvest Time

Long: 12-15 Weeks

Single freshly harvested turnip held by hand with roots exposed

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

Turnips hate wet roots. In the city, humidity or pots without enough holes can keep the soil too wet, which turns the leaves yellow.

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How to Fix It:

Make sure your pot has holes in the bottom. Let the top of the soil feel dry before you water again. Adding worm castings helps the soil drain while keeping it healthy.

What are these tiny bugs on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

Aphids love the tender green tops of turnips. They are very common in NYC because the city stays warm late into the evening.

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How to Fix It:

Buy ladybugs to release on your plants to eat the aphids! You can also spray the bugs off with a strong stream of water in your sink.

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Why is my plant growing so slowly?

Why It's Happening:

Turnips need a lot of sun to grow big roots. If tall buildings block the light, the plant will stay small. Also, root vegetables need space to move.

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How to Fix It:

Move your pot to the sunniest spot you have. Use a 5-10-10 plant food to help the plant focus on the root. Make sure the soil is loose and not packed down tight.

Why is my turnip plant wilting?

Why It's Happening:

Even though it is a root vegetable, the heat from NYC concrete and bricks can bake the soil and dry out the plant in one afternoon.

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How to Fix It:

Water your turnips deeply in the morning. If the afternoon sun is too hot on your balcony, move the pot to a slightly shaded spot. Adding compost helps the soil hold onto water.

Why is there gray fuzz on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

This is Downy Mildew. It happens because city air stays wet and does not move well between tall buildings.

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How to Fix It:

Space your plants out so air can move between the leaves. Pour water on the soil, not the leaves. Use beneficial nematodes in the soil to keep the root area strong.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Fresh rosemary sprigs held in two hands against a patterned dress background

Rosemary

Hand holding a young spinach plant with visible roots on a New York City rooftop.

Spinach

Red leaf lettuce rosette growing tightly in a New York City garden

Bibb Lettuce

Close-up of kale leaves growing in a New York City urban garden

Kale

Close-up of mustard green leaves showing smooth texture and visible veins.

Mustard Greens

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Curated Gear For Growing

Mycorrhizal Fungi Soil Booster

Mycorrhizal Fungi Soil Booster

I use this to encourage stronger roots in containers and raised beds. Healthier roots mean more resilient plants and better harvests.

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

This is an excellent starter pack if you want to experiment with many crops at once and learn what grows best in your space without overthinking seed selection

Plastic Grow Bags for Seed Starting and Container Gardening

Plastic Grow Bags for Seed Starting and Container Gardening

These come in 1, 2, 3 and 5 gallon sizes - use 5 gallon for tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, 3 gallon for peppers, and 1–2 gallon for basil, herbs and edible flowers

Down To Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer 4-4-4

This is my favorite foundational fertilizer for containers because it’s gentle and perfect for feeding a wide mix of vegetables

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Plants need trace minerals just like we do, I add azomite every spring to keep soil balanced and crops more flavorful especially in containers

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

I like this for containers and raised beds when I want better nutrient holding power and steadier watering especially for heavy feeding vegetables

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

I use this in almost every soil mix to prevent compaction and keep roots healthy especially in containers

Premium Organic Compost

Premium Organic Compost

Great for topping off containers and garden beds when soil needs a gentle nutrient boost without a strong odor

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Great for refreshing tired soil and boosting beds and large containers especially outdoors

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

I only use this outdoors to build soil fertility and improve texture in garden beds and large containers

Organic Vermiculite Soil Amendment

I use vermiculite for seed starting and indoor mixes because it keeps soil evenly moist without compacting which is key in containers and trays

Organic Worm Castings Soil Amendment

I use this as a top dressing or adding to my soil mix because it improves plant health and works especially well in containers

Compressed Organic Potting Soil Made from Coconut Coir and Worm Castings

This is great for small spaces and apartments because it stores easily, expands fast and holds moisture really well without getting soggy

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

This is my go to base soil mix for containers and seed starting, the mycorrhizae really help roots establish faster especially in pots and grow bags

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

I use this for vegetables in containers and raised beds it’s reliable, gentle and great for long term feeding

Organic Compost for Containers Raised Beds and Gardens

Organic Compost for Containers, Raised Beds and Gardens

I love adding this to outdoor container mixes to boost soil life and improve water holding especially for balcony and rooftop gardens

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

I love this for containers because the mycorrhizae help roots establish fast especially in pots on balconies and terraces

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Container Gardener’s Handbook

Great reference book for beginners who want simple reliable container growing advice for balconies, patios and indoors

The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible

One of the best beginner friendly books for learning how to grow real food in containers even on patios, balconies and terraces

The Bountiful Container

The Bountiful Container

A classic container gardening book that proves you can grow almost anything in pots, perfect for balconies, terraces and small urban spaces

Field Guide to Urban Gardening Book

One of the best mindset-shifting books for city gardeners, it shows you how to grow food anywhere, no yard required

Grow Bag Gardening Book

This is a sustainable resource for urban gardeners using balconies, rooftops or small outdoor spaces who want high yields without heavy containers

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Perfect for NYC terraces or backyards where you’re splitting water between irrigation systems

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

This is perfect for balconies, rooftops, or apartments without outdoor water hookups

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

My favorite watering wand - perfect for hanging baskets, tall containers, and hard-to-reach spots, and the ultra-gentle shower is great for seedlings

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for balcony and patio gardeners who don’t have an outdoor hose hookup

3/4-Inch Garden Hose Splitter (3-Way Outdoor Faucet Adapter)

3/4-Inch Garden Hose Splitter (3-Way Outdoor Faucet Adapter)

I use one of these on my outdoor water hookup so I can run multiple irrigation systems at the same time

Adjustable Drip Irrigation System Kit for Garden & Raised Beds

I use this to water my outdoor garden, it keeps plants consistently watered and saves a ton of time, especially in the summer

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

I like this because it gently washes bugs off plants and pests hate the peppermint scent

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

I like this because it stays flexible and is easier to maneuver while watering

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Ideal for a backyard garden if you plan to stay put for a while and get big harvests year after year

Handwoven Seagrass Harvest Baskets with Handles

Cute harvesting baskets for herbs, greens and small veggies

Complete Gardening Tool Starter Set with Tote

Complete Gardening Tool Starter Set with Tote

A great starter kit for New Yorkers growing their own food and has everything you need to begin gardening

Elevated Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage Shelf

Great for terrace or backyard gardening, the raised height makes planting most anything easier

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Great for terraces, the elevated look feels architectural and works well for nearly all plants

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

One of my favorite planters I have grown almost everything in these perfect for intercropping

12 Inch Round Planter with Saucer 3 Gallon

A great size for growing one pepper plant outdoors with oregano, thyme, or lettuce planted alongside

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

For outdoor gardens have one tomato or pepper as your star crop and tuck lettuce or herbs around

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

A cuter upgrade from basic black pots great for beginners with a backyard, terrace or patio

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack nyc garden

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack

If you are growing tomatoes, squash or cucumbers outdoors these 10 bags can be your entire setup

6 8 10 Inch Plant Saucer - 12 Pack Round Plant Tray Plastic Plant Drip Trays for Indoor Outdoor Garden Plants, Collects Flower Pot Drainage and Excess Water

Heavy-Duty Plant Saucers (6”–10”) – 12 Pack

I use these to catch rain water that plants can soak up when needed

Elephant Watering Can

Long trunk which helps in watering plants.

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