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When to plant Daikon in Monroe County, AR

The best window to plant Daikon in Monroe County, is February 28–March 21, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 14; first frost November 13. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in Monroe County, AR

Monroe County, Arkansas Zone 8a June

This month in Monroe County, Arkansas

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Monroe County, Arkansas.

Avg. last frost March 14
Avg. first frost November 13
Soil temp (4") 80°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs

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Daikon is a large, mild Japanese radish that can grow over a foot long. It is excellent for pickling, stir-fries, and as a soil-breaking cover crop.

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.

Monroe County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Daikon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (157 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jun 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jun 30

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 Monroe County

How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.

How to Plant Daikon

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Daikon

5
successive plantings in your 244-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.

Daikon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 314 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Daikon

Daikon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Daikon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Daikon 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.

Daikon needs ~960 GDD — county provides 3,904 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline — Monroe County, AR

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest April 25 Apr 25 – May 23
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Daikon in Monroe County

Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 14 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Daikon 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 late summer for fall harvest. Loosen soil deeply before planting. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Harvest before hard freeze as exposed shoulders may crack.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Hyssop

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daikon in Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Daikon in Monroe County, AR?

In Monroe County, AR, plant Daikon after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, AR for Daikon?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daikon grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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