When to Plant Turnip in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK
May in the garden — Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plant turnip from seed, right in the garden
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Looking ahead to June
- Fall sowing: turnip
Turnips are a fast-growing cool-season root vegetable with edible roots and greens. Baby turnips are sweet and tender while mature ones are more pungent.
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is August 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 89 days.
At an elevation of 2,163 feet, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area receives approximately 55.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.5) is more acidic than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.8%) — Turnip will thrive.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 03.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Turnip
Turnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Turnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 9.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Aug in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Turnip 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.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2a
📆 Growing Season
89 days in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Growing Tips for Turnip in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after May 29 in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Turnip 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 in early spring or late summer. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor. Both the roots and the greens are nutritious and edible.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, AK?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is August 26.
Your Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (Zone 2a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.