When to Plant Radish in Pike County, IL
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Pike County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 916 feet, Pike County receives approximately 38.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Pike County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Radish's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Radish will thrive.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Plant Water Budget
Radish Planting Timeline — Pike County, IL
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Radish in Pike County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 15 in Pike County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 184.0-day season in Pike County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Pike County, IL?
Pike County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, IL?
Pike County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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