How Do You Grow Rutabagas In The Home Garden?
Rutabagas are a slow growing vegetable good for soups or stews. They are sometimes described as a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. Rutabagas can keep well through the winter with proper storing. If you have the time and space you may want to try them but they are not for beginners. Even so, they are easy to prepare and have lots of beta-carotene. They are economical even though they produce only one crop-the leaves can be eaten all season long. Choose a variety of rutabaga depending on need or preference. The variety Helenor yields well. Purple Top is sweet, with yellow flesh that turns orange when cooked. Choose the spot where the rutabagas will grow. Rutabagas need a sunny spot and soil that is high in nitrogen. If possible, dig compost in to the plot at end of previous season. Rutabagas can grow many types of soils but are sweetest if grown in rich soil. Sow the rutabaga seeds directly into ground about ¾” deep. Thin the seedlings to about 9″ apart once they grow 2 sets of leav
