Companion planting for turnip is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of turnip below.
| Companion plants for turnip | Enemy plants of turnip |
|---|---|
| Garlic | Potato |
| Radish | |
| Thyme | |
| Chives | |
| Onion | |
| Nasturtiums |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of turnip?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your turnip. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your turnip.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a fierce bodyguard for turnips. Its strong scent keeps away pests that love to nibble on turnip leaves, like aphids and beetles. With garlic nearby, your turnips can grow without constantly fighting off unwanted visitors. Plus, garlic’s natural antifungal properties help keep the soil healthier for turnip roots to thrive.
Radish
Radishes thrive in loose soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0, they embody adaptability and zest. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their rapid growth and vibrant foliage. Radishes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by breaking up compacted soil, improving soil aeration, and suppressing pest populations.
Radishes are great garden companions for turnips because they help loosen up the soil. Their quick-growing roots break through tough dirt, making it easier for turnips to stretch out and grow nice and round. Radishes can also take on pests that might otherwise bother turnips, giving them a little extra breathing room to flourish.
Thyme
Thyme grows sandy or loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Full sunlight and moderate moisture nurture its flavorful foliage and compact growth. Thyme provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Thyme may be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to protecting turnips. Its strong scent confuses insects like cabbage worms and flea beetles, keeping them away from your turnip crop. As a bonus, thyme grows low to the ground, helping keep the soil moist and preventing weeds from taking over.
Chives
Chives thrive in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost, they embody adaptability and finesse. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Chives extend general benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests and attracting beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Chives might look delicate, but they’re a powerful ally for turnips. Their strong smell repels many common garden pests, like aphids and thrips, which would otherwise feast on turnip greens. Planting chives around your turnips creates a natural bug barrier, helping them grow without trouble.
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions don’t just add flavor to your meals—they also add protection to your turnips. Their scent keeps harmful insects at bay, making it harder for pests to settle in and snack on your crops. Onions also have natural antibacterial properties that can help keep the soil in good shape, reducing the risk of diseases that might harm turnips.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their vibrant flowers and trailing foliage. Nasturtiums offer invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and adding a touch of vibrant color to garden landscapes.
Nasturtiums are a clever trick in the gardener’s playbook when growing turnips. These bright, cheerful flowers attract aphids and other pests, keeping them away from your precious turnip greens. They also bring in helpful pollinators, making the garden a more balanced and thriving space.
What are the enemy plants of turnip?
Planting these plants next to turnip has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your turnip. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your turnip.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Turnips and potatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they compete for nutrients in the soil, leaving neither one fully satisfied. Plus, growing them together can invite pests and diseases that love to feast on both.
