When to Plant Radish in Clarke County, AL
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.
Clarke County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 79 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radish, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Clarke County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Clarke County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
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 Oct 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clarke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — Clarke County, AL
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Clarke County
Growing Tips for Radish in Clarke County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after March 12 in Clarke County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Clarke County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Radish. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Clarke County reach 92°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 248.0-day season in Clarke 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Clarke County, AL?
Clarke County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, AL?
Clarke County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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