Turnip greens are a common garden vegetable, recognized for their leafy tops and edible roots. These plants are a potential food source for various wildlife. Deer do consume them, and understanding their appeal can help protect garden crops and manage wildlife populations.
Deer Consumption of Turnip Greens
Deer eat turnip greens, finding them quite attractive. Turnips are part of the brassica family, and both their leafy tops and bulbs are consumed. The plants offer significant nutritional value, with protein content ranging from 15 to 20 percent in both leaves and roots, making them a beneficial food source.
Deer typically show a preference for turnip greens after a few hard frosts. Colder temperatures cause the starches in the leaves to convert into sugars, making them sweeter and more palatable. While deer may nibble younger leaves, heavy consumption often occurs as the season progresses and other food sources become scarcer. Deer generally nip off about 2 inches of the plant at a time when feeding.
Safeguarding Turnip Greens in Gardens
To protect turnip greens from deer, gardeners have several practical options. Physical barriers are effective; a fence should be at least 8 feet tall, as deer can jump quite high. A solid wood privacy fence at least 6 feet tall can also deter them by obscuring their view.
Repellents can deter deer, utilizing strong odors or tastes they dislike. Homemade sprays with ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, hot pepper, or dish soap can be applied. Reapplication is necessary after rainfall or every two weeks for egg-based solutions. Companion planting with strongly scented plants such as lavender, mint, sage, or marigolds around turnip beds creates a natural barrier deer tend to avoid.
Turnip Greens for Wildlife Food Plots
Turnip greens are a popular choice for wildlife food plots, especially for deer. These cool-season annuals are known for their rapid growth, reaching maturity in 75 to 90 days. They offer a dual food source: high-protein leafy forage and energy-rich bulbs, particularly during colder months when other natural foods are limited. Well-managed turnip plots can yield a substantial amount of forage.
For optimal growth, turnip seeds are planted in late summer in northern climates or early fall in southern regions. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soils. When planting, seeds should be broadcast and lightly covered, no more than 1/4 inch deep. Varieties can be selected to prioritize greater leaf production or larger root development, depending on food plot objectives.