Tigger's Green Paw
Turnip

As with all plants, always check if you have any health problems that may be affected by growing any plants in your garden or yard you may be able to nibble on.

Animal Safety: Dogs: Yes Cats: Yes Rabbits: Yes

Free Grazing: Yes

Lifespan: Annual, which means you have to plant new seeds each year.

Soil Type: Prefers cool, moisture-retentive soil, in an open, sunny location.

Sew: From March to Mid August

Harvest: May to October and later.

Position: Turnips prefer an open and sunny location.

Life cycle:
There are over 30 varieties of turnip.
It only takes around 6 to 10 weeks for a turnip to grow from seed.
Sew the seeds 30cm apart and 1cm deep.
Water regularly during dry spells or the root will be woody and small.

Eating:
As with all vegetables, although turnips are safe to eat, always try to ensure a balanced diet.

Dogs can eat both the leaves and the turnip. The leaves are a good source of vitamin A and C, while the turnip itself is a good source of fibre and various vitamins and minerals.
Although it is advised any dogs with thyroid issues as turnips could disrupt the thyroid gland.
Turnips can be eaten raw or cooked. Although if eaten raw, check for choking as they are a very firm vegetable when raw served as slices or chunks that are small enough to avoid choking.

Cats are able to eat both raw and cooked turnip in small quantities when added to their balanced diet. Although they will still not thank you for trying to sneak vegetables into their meals.

Rabbits can eat raw turnip and turnip leaves but cannot eat cooked turnips.