When to Plant Turnip in Mono County, CA
May to-do list for Mono County, California
Your garden in Mono County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Direct-sowing: turnip
- 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.
Mono County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is August 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 63 days.
At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Mono County receives approximately 13.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Turnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mono County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.5
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 Mono County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.5) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mono County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Mono 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 — Mono County, CA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
63 days in Mono County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Mono County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after June 18 in Mono County 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.
Mono County receives only 13" of rain annually. Turnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Mono County, CA?
Mono County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mono County, CA?
Mono County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is August 20.
Your Mono County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mono County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.