When to Plant Carrots in Turner County, SD
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Turner County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 817 feet, Turner County receives approximately 25.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.
Turner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Carrots Planting Timeline — Turner County, SD
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
159 days
Growing Tips for Turner County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Turner County, SD?
Turner County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Turner County, SD?
Turner County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Turner County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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