Planting
Turnips and mustards should be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Mustard and turnip seeds will sprout if the soil temperature is 40o or higher. For a fall crop start planting 8 to 10 weeks before the first expected frost. In South Texas and coastal areas turnips and mustard grow well all winter.
Just before planting, drag the top off of the ridges with a rake or hoe. This widens the planting bed to 8 to 10 inches. It also allows the seed to be planted in moist soil (see Figure 3). This is very important when planting the fall crop.
If the ridges are made on 3 foot centers for planting other vegetables, two rows of mustard and turnips can be planted on each ridge. Plant one row down each side of the ridge.
Cover the seeds lightly with soft soil or compost. Sprinkle with water to speed sprouting. When planting for a fall crop, cover the seeds with sand or light colored mulch to keep the row cool. Sprinkle the row lightly with water to prevent soil crusting until the small plants break through. Under good conditions most of the plants should be up in 3 to 7 days.
To have a continuous supply of fresh, tender mustard and turnip greens, make two or three plantings 10 days apart.
Mustard and turnip should be planted in full sun, if possible. Mustard works well as a border to a flower bed or sidewalk. Both the broadleaf and curled leaf varieties are attractive and add green to a flower bed (see Figure 4). Mustard and turnip greens are easily grown in window boxes and containers on an apartment balcony or patio.
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