When to plant Turnips in Aberdeen

Work the soil to a fine tilth around 9th July - 27th August. Take out large stones and clods. Do not add fresh manure. It makes roots fork. You want loose, well-prepared soil so roots swell evenly.

Sow thinly in shallow drills at 1 cm from 9th July to 27th August. This is one summer sowing, not a run of small batches.

Cover the row with fine mesh after sowing and seal the edges. Fine mesh reduces cabbage root fly and flea beetle. Keep it on through 28th October, until the crop is lifted.

• Check seedlings for slug and snail damage, especially in damp weather.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, around 16th August - 30th August, thin to 23 cm apart. Lift the extras gently so you do not disturb the roots you keep.

Lift from 11th October, about 10 weeks after sowing, for autumn roots. Tennis-ball size is good for cooking. Keep lifting through 28th October.

• Fleece in hard weather helps the last roots finish. That is not a storage method.