When to plant Turnip in Alexander County County,
In Alexander County County, plant Turnip in spring between March 27 and April 17, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Alexander County County's last frost averages April 10, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 60 days before the first frost on October 21.
When to Plant Turnip in Alexander County, IL
What to do in June
Your Alexander County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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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.
Alexander County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,260 feet, Alexander County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Alexander County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Turnip 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 Alexander 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
The silt loam soil in Alexander County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). 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 Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Turnip Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Alexander 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 — Alexander County, IL
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Alexander County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Alexander County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 10 in Alexander County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 194.0-day season in Alexander 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
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 Alexander County, IL?
Alexander County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alexander County, IL?
Alexander County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Turnip in Alexander County, ?
In Alexander County, , plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alexander County, for Turnip?
Alexander County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Alexander County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Alexander County's temperate climate. Alexander County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Alexander County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alexander County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.