When to Plant Turnip in Del Norte County, CA
Top priorities for Del Norte County, California gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Del Norte County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Pick turnip
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Del Norte County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 72 feet, Del Norte County receives approximately 43.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Turnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Del Norte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Del Norte County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Del Norte County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Turnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 25.
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 | — | 8.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Del Norte County). 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 — Del Norte County, CA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 25 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
238 days in Del Norte County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Del Norte County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after March 27 in Del Norte County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Del Norte County dries quickly — mulch Turnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 238.0-day season in Del Norte County allows multiple plantings of Turnip. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Del Norte County, CA?
Del Norte County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Del Norte County, CA?
Del Norte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 20.
Your Del Norte County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Del Norte County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.