When to Plant Parsnip in Windham County, CT
Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.
Windham County, Connecticut is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 110 feet, Windham County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Windham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Windham County, CT
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
100–130 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
170 days
Growing Tips for Windham County
Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Parsnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Windham County, CT?
Windham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Windham County, CT?
Windham County, Connecticut is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Windham County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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