When to Plant Turnip in Bartow County, GA
Your May gardening checklist
Your garden in Bartow County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Start harvesting turnip
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 444 feet, Bartow County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Turnip, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.
Bartow County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.6
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 Bartow County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.6) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bartow County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
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.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bartow 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 — Bartow County, GA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Bartow County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Bartow County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after March 28 in Bartow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bartow County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Turnip. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 218.0-day season in Bartow 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 Bartow County, GA?
Bartow County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bartow County, GA?
Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Bartow County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bartow 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.