When to plant Turnip in Bureau County, IL
Aim to plant Turnip in Bureau County on or after April 8; the window stays open through April 29. Bureau County's 175-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Bureau County, IL
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.
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Bureau County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bureau County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Bureau County, IL
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Bureau County
Growing Tips for Bureau County
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 Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bureau County, IL?
Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Turnip in Bureau County, IL?
In Bureau County, IL, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bureau County, IL for Turnip?
Bureau County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Bureau County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Bureau County's temperate climate. Bureau County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.