Turnips should be planted for most gardeners at or around mid August. This gives plenty of time for the root to develop. Many gardeners like the tops for what's called greens; while others enjoy the roots raw or cooked.

Turnips are a high source of vitamin C. This vegetable is also considered an antioxidant. One tip here is smaller turnips have a sweeter flavor while larger ones are more pulpy or woody-textured.

Turnips need cool temperatures to germinate well but they will continue to grow in colder climates. There definitely is a pungent flavor in the root so people either love or hate turnips.

Turnips grown for the root need loose soil to develop. Garden soil should have a pH of above 6.0 and be well fertilized. Turnips which are grown for greens need nitrogen while those grown for the root need lots of phosphorus and potassium.

Most turnips will mature in 35 to 70 days so with an average frost date of October 20 you still have time for them to mature. When considering a variety to plant, pay attention to the days to harvest.

Today, many wildlife enthusiasts plant turnips to feed and attract deer. Deer really consume this crop after a frost which traps the sugar in the plant. Most seeding rates require three to five pounds per acre for this purpose.

Turnips are usually not listed on many wildlife packages. But one will see the scientific name brassica which includes the common turnip.

There are forage varieties available for animal feeding but the common purple top variety is usually the choice locally.

So, whether you enjoy a bowl of turnip greens or just watching the deer forage at a food plot there is still time to plant turnips.