UK compost
What compost for turnip 'market express' in the UK?
Brassica rapa var. rapa 'Market Express'
More about turnip 'market express' in the UK
Which compost turnip 'market express' needs
For turnip 'market express' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. A loose, stone-free soil lets the round roots swell smoothly and cleanly. Neutral pH (6.0-7.5) is ideal; liming acid soil also helps deter club root. Work in compost, but avoid fresh manure, which forks the roots.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows turnip 'market express' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Turnip 'Market Express' is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the turnip 'market express' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Turnip 'Market Express' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for turnip 'market express' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. A loose, stone-free soil lets the round roots swell smoothly and cleanly. Neutral pH (6.0-7.5) is ideal; liming acid soil also helps deter club root. Work in compost, but avoid fresh manure, which forks the roots. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for turnip 'market express'?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for turnip 'market express'. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow turnip 'market express' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does turnip 'market express' need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does turnip 'market express' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Light, fertile, well-drained loam. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More turnip 'market express' care
See the full turnip 'market express' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.