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When to Plant Horseradish in Fairfield County, OH

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

Fairfield County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 716 feet, Fairfield County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Horseradish during the growing season.

Fairfield County, OH (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Fairfield County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 12
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Sep 10 – Nov 19
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Sep 26 – Dec 5

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 173 gal / 100 sq ft
Horseradish needs ~2,738 GDD — county provides 3,321 GDD Good fit

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Fairfield County, OH

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Harvest September 10 Sep 10 โ€“ Nov 19

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Fairfield County

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in Fairfield County, OH?

Fairfield County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fairfield County, OH?

Fairfield County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Fairfield County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fairfield County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.