When to harvest rutabagas

Rutabagas, aka Swedish turnips, may be harvested whenever sized up enough to eat. For storage they should be good-sized, so they will keep better. Rutabaga can take a very light frost, but must not freeze. Since much of the root is above ground, it will freeze at a lower temperature than something which is totally underground.

Storing rutabagas

To store, the area must be cool and preferably dark. Cut the tops to 1". I have my best luck with root crops by storing in barely moist sawdust, not touching each other in bins or garbage cans. The ideal storage is a root cellar, but a garage that does not freeze will also work.