When to plant Turnips in the UK

Work the soil to a fine tilth around mid-July to mid-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. Choose one date in mid-July to mid-August. This is one summer sowing, not a run of small batches.

• Water in dry spells or roots can be small and woody. A dry spell then a soak can split them.

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 late 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 late July to mid-September, thin to 23 cm apart. Lift the extras gently so you do not disturb the roots you keep.

Lift from mid-September, about 10 weeks after sowing, for autumn roots. Tennis-ball size is good for cooking. Keep lifting through late October.

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