Turnips are a root vegetable part of the Brassicaceae family. They are known for their round, white roots and green leaves and are usually added to food plots.
Thanks to their high sugar and water content, turnips are an excellent food source for deer. So whether you’re out there to attract deer for hunting, wildlife viewing, or simply want to improve the health of your local deer population, planting turnips can be a great way to do so.
For first-timers, the million-dollar question is: when is the best time to do this?
What is the Best Turnip for Deer?
From the outside, they don’t look like much. Purple top turnips are small and unassuming, with dull purple skin and white flesh. But don’t let their appearance fool you – purple top turnips are one of the best food sources for deer.
Its globe is exposed just enough above the ground that deer can find and eat it with ease. The high sugar content means that deer will actually prefer it to other forage options. Additionally, the roots and the plant are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals – making it a well-rounded food source for deer.
The Ideal Time to Plant Turnips for Deer
The answer may not be as straightforward as you think. The best time to plant turnips for deer depends on a few factors, such as your location, soil type, and what kind of turnip you’re planting.
In general, the majority of turnip varieties grow best in cool weather. The soil temperatures must reach at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit for its seeds to germinate. One thing to know about turnips is that they grow fairly quickly, reaching maturity within a short span of 50 – 80 days.
With that being said, if you’re from the north, you can start planting turnips during late summer, when temperatures start to cool down. This will give your turnips enough time to grow and mature before winter sets in.
On the other hand, if you live in southern states where winters are shorter and milder, you can start planting turnips in early spring or late fall.
This is because the growing season is longer down south, giving the turnips more time to mature before the warmer weather arrives. This applies to purple top turnips and other varieties such as Topper, Golden Ball, and White Globe.
How to Get Started with Your Food Plot Strategy: Planting Turnips for Deer
No matter what time of year it is, there are always things you can do to prep your land for planting. For example, if you want to attract deer to your property and improve the health of your local deer population, planting turnips is a great place to start.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
Choose a Sunny Spot
Turnips need at least six hours of sunlight each day to grow properly. Choosing the right spot that gets a bit of afternoon shade and morning sun gives your turnips the best chance to thrive.
Grow Using the Right Soil
The soil you use for your food plot significantly affects how well your turnips will grow. First and foremost, loose and fertile soil is key to giving your turnips the best chance to grow strong roots. In return, your turnips will grow healthy and will be able to provide the best nutrition possible for deers and other wildlife animals.
Typically, turnips would grow in most kinds of soil, but loam or sandy loam soils are ideal. This will make it easier for you to maintain the soil’s ideal soil PH range, between 6.5 – 6.8.
Avoid Overcrowding the Turnips
During planting, make sure to spread out the seeds properly and evenly. You want them to have enough space to grow, so overcrowding them will just lead to smaller, less nutritious turnips.
Generally, Plant in the Fall
Have you ever gone through the experience of planting turnips but not seeing any deer come to visit your food plot? It can be frustrating, especially if you put in the time and effort to create a perfect environment for them. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to this, one thing you might want to check is the timing of your planting.
Unless you’re from the deep down South regions, planting turnips during the fall is the best time to get started. Its ideal growing environment and temperature are within 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit – meaning that the cool weather of fall is perfect for turnips to germinate and grow.
If you’re planting in spring, wait until after the last frost date. This ensures that your turnips won’t be damaged by the cold weather and will have a higher chance of germinating.
Get Rid of Those Weeds
When you’re growing turnips or any other plant for that matter, weeds will always be a problem. They compete with your plants for resources like water and sunlight and can even harbor diseases that might infect your crops.
Manually removing the weeds by hoeing or hand-pulling them every once in a while is the best way to get rid of them. You can also use mulch to prevent weeds from growing in the first place.
Mulching also protects your turnips from extreme weather conditions and keeps the soil moist, which is ideal for turnip growth.
Provide Consistent Moisture
As mentioned above, providing your plot with a good amount of moisture at a consistent level is key to growing healthy turnips. This means watering your food plot regularly, especially during the hotter months.
You don’t have to overdo it – just make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. This can be checked by sticking your finger to the ground. If it feels dry more than an inch down, it’s time to give your plot a good watering.
When to Plant Turnips for Deer: Final Thoughts
Getting the right timing and environment for your turnip plot is key to attracting deer and other wildlife. Following the tips above, you’ll be on your way to a bumper crop of nutritious turnips, perfect for the deer hunting or viewing season.