When to Plant Parsnip in York County, PA
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.
York County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, York County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
York County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.3
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 — York County, PA
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
198 days
Growing Tips for York 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 York County, PA?
York County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is York County, PA?
York County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help York County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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