When to Plant Kohlrabi in Licking County, OH
Kohlrabi is an unusual brassica that forms a swollen stem above ground with a mild, sweet turnip-like flavor. Both the bulb and tender leaves are edible.
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Licking County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kohlrabi during the growing season.
Licking County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Licking County
How your county's soil matches Kohlrabi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) is within Kohlrabi's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Licking County is excellent for Kohlrabi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kohlrabi.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Kohlrabi.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Kohlrabi
Sow every 5.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kohlrabi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Licking County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kohlrabi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kohlrabi Planting Timeline — Licking County, OH
Kohlrabi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
45–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Licking County
Growing Tips for Kohlrabi in Licking County
Direct sow Kohlrabi outdoors after April 24 in Licking County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 178.0-day season in Licking County allows multiple plantings of Kohlrabi. Sow every 22.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Kohlrabi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter for best texture and flavor. Larger bulbs may become woody and fibrous.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kohlrabi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kohlrabi in Licking County, OH?
Licking County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Kohlrabi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Licking County, OH?
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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