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When to Plant Radish in USDA Zone 4a

Zone 4a Zone 4a July

Your July planting checklist for Zone 4a

July is a pivotal month for Zone 4a gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost May 13
Avg. first frost September 28
  1. Plant your fall garden: radish

    Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.

Want it on paper? Download your Zone 4a planting guide →

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.

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

Zone 4a Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 6
145 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Radish Planting Timeline — Zone 4a

Where Is USDA Zone 4a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Radish planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Radish Planting Calendar — Zone 4a

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20

Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow Harvest
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing
August
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

22–35 days

Soil pH

6 – 7

Zone Temperature Range

-30°F to -25°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

145 days (Zone 4a average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing2 inches apart
Row Spacing6 inches between rows

Succession Planting Radish in Zone 4a

8
successive plantings in Zone 4a's ~145-day season

Sow every 2.4 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Radish in Zone 4a

Zone 4a has a short growing season (~145 days). Start Radish indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.

Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week during active growth. Adjust watering based on your local rainfall and soil drainage.

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

  • Hyssop
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Saving Radish Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

💡
LED Grow Lights $25-60

Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.

🔥
Seedling Heat Mat $15-35

Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

🪡
Floating Row Covers $12-30

Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Radish in Zone 4a?

In Zone 4a, plan your Radish planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Direct sow outdoors around April 29.

Can Radish grow in Zone 4a?

Yes, Radish can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Radish (22-35 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Radish in Zone 4a?

In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Radish from May 27 – June 17. Radish takes 22-35 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Radish?

Good companion plants for Radish include Carrots, Lettuce, Peas, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Your Zone 4a Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 4a. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.