- What should be considered when sowing directly outdoors?
- Is it worth giving preference to the turnips?
- Which are good and bad plant neighbors?
- What characteristics should the site and soil have?
- How and when does the harvest take place?
- tips and tricks
Swedes are low in calories, healthy, known as animal feed, are considered a traditional autumn and winter vegetable and are very popular in gourmet restaurants today. These are just some of the reasons to grow them yourself in your own garden. Here we go!
What should be considered when sowing directly outdoors?
Swedes are usually sown directly outdoors between June and July. At a temperature between 15 and 18 °C, the seeds will germinate after 7 to 10 days. But before that, don't forget the following:
- Sowing depth: 0.5 to 1 cm
- Row spacing: 40 to 50 cm
- Distance between each plant: 50 cm
Is it worth giving preference to the turnips?
Preparing is not worthwhile, but a real alternative to outdoor sowing for the impatient. Seeds are sown in pots no earlier than the end of May. 4 seeds are placed 1 to 2 cm deep in a pot and covered with soil. As soon as the first leaves are visible, the plants can be separated. Planting out takes place in June.
Which are good and bad plant neighbors?
Good planting neighbors for swedes include peas, lamb's lettuce, tomatoes, dill, beans, celery, and cucumbers. Bad neighbors like potatoes, garlic, kohlrabi and onions, on the other hand, should stay away from swedes.
What characteristics should the site and soil have?
A sunny to partially shaded location is sufficient for the turnips to grow. The soil should be moist, neutral to basic and suitable for medium-heavy consumers. Ideally, it is lightly fertilized with compost before sowing. Fertilizers should be avoided during the growth phase.
How and when does the harvest take place?
The turnips can be harvested just in time for the start of the season. This is the case at the end of September at the earliest. If necessary, the turnips are pulled out of the ground using a digging fork. Then the leaves are twisted off.
The later the beets are harvested, the better they can be stored. However, all turnips should be harvested by the end of November at the latest. The reason: they do not tolerate longer periods of frost with temperatures below -8 °C.
tips and tricks
When growing swedes, crop rotation (waiting time of at least three years) should be observed to ensure good yields and a low risk of diseases and pests.