Where to Find Turnip Seeds for Sale Near Me

As a home gardener, one of the most exciting parts of starting a new growing season is choosing which vegetables to plant For me, turnips have become a must-grow crop in my garden Their versatility and hardiness make them an ideal addition to any edible landscape. However, sourcing turnip seeds can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you want to shop locally. In this article, I’ll share my tips for finding turnip seeds for sale near me.

Why Grow Turnips?

Before diving into where to buy turnip seeds, let’s first go over why they make a great choice for home gardens. Here are some of the top reasons to grow turnips:

• Cold hardy – Turnips can tolerate cold better than many other vegetables. They can be planted in early spring and late fall when few other crops thrive

• Quick maturing – You can harvest baby turnips in as little as 30 days. Even full-sized roots mature rapidly in 50-60 days.

• Tasty greens – The edible turnip greens add bonus nutrients and flavor. They can be harvested continually as the roots size up.

• Roots store well – Turnip roots keep for months in cold storage, providing a nutritious winter vegetable.

• Soil-improving – As a cover crop, turnips add organic matter and nitrogen to enrich the soil.

With productivity, resilience, and versatility like that, it’s easy to see why turnips deserve room in the garden!

Where to Find Turnip Seeds Locally

Now that you’re sold on growing turnips, let’s discuss the best places to locate seeds. Here are some of my top local sources for turnip seeds:

Local Garden Centers

My first stop is always the independent garden centers in my area. Though selection is sometimes limited, I can often find basic open-pollinated turnip varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’. Local stores are also a great spot to discover more unique heirloom turnips bred for regional growing conditions. The knowledgeable staff can offer planting tips as well.

I try to shop local nurseries before big box stores. However, some of the larger retailers like Home Depot do carry turnip seeds at times. Check areas with other vegetables rather than the indoor herb and seed racks.

Farmer’s Markets & Farm Stands

Another local option is asking at your farmer’s market or roadside farm stand if any vendors sell seeds. Some growers sell their own varieties acclimated to the area. At the very least, the farmers can likely point you toward neighborhood garden centers or seed suppliers they frequent.

Specialty & Organic Food Stores

Small organic food shops and co-ops sometimes stock garden seeds, though it’s not as common. Look for non-hybrid, heirloom turnip varieties sold in bulk bins or on seed racks. Staff picks can clue you into locally-adapted choices.

Hardware Stores

While often overlooked, many hardware and farm supply stores sell seeds including turnips. I occasionally find open-pollinated turnip seeds tucked in among the vegetable seed packets near the gardening section of my local hardware store. Feed and grain shops are another potential spot.

Seed Libraries & Exchanges

If you really want free or cheap turnip seeds, check for a local seed library or seed exchange program. These community-based initiatives allow gardeners to share seeds for free or minimal cost. Turnip seeds saved from locally-grown plants are often available.

Mail Order Sources for Turnip Seeds

If the selection near me is limited, I supplement by ordering turnip seeds online to get the best variety choices. Here are some of my favorite online seed retailers:

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – This company offers a wide range of heirloom turnips like ‘Gilfeather’ and ‘Purple Top Milan’.

• Johnny’s Selected Seeds – A trusted supplier with organic and conventional turnip seeds for greens or roots.

• Kitazawa Seed Company – Specializes in Asian vegetable seeds including interesting turnip varieties like ‘Hakurei’ and ‘Nozawana’.

• Seed Savers Exchange – Nonprofit organization with hundreds of heirloom turnips preserved by home gardeners.

• Territorial Seed Company – Longtime Pacific Northwest company with cold-hardy turnip varieties suitable for short seasons.

When ordering seeds online, I make sure to check the product description for details like days to maturity and disease resistance to pick varieties tailored to my growing conditions.

Key Tips for Getting Good Turnip Seeds

To maximize your harvest, keep these tips in mind when selecting turnip seeds:

• For roots, look for globe or tankard shaped varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’.

• For greens, choose open-leaved types like ‘Seven Top’.

• Seek disease-resistant, certified organic seeds when possible.

• For fall planting, get quick-maturing turnips needing 30 days or less.

• For spring, choose longer-maturing types requiring 50 days to full size.

• For winter storage, select seeds noting good keeping ability on the pack.

Taking the time to find high quality, locally-adapted turnip seeds gives your crop the best chance to thrive right from the start. With the many sources now available both near and online, every gardener can grow a bountiful harvest of this tasty, versatile vegetable. What are you waiting for? Go get those turnip seeds planted!