When to plant Turnip in Hardin County, IL
In Zone 7a (Hardin County), direct-sow Turnip between March 21 and April 11 for spring, after the April 4 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Hardin County, IL
Your June planting checklist for Hardin County, Illinois
Your garden in Hardin County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Pick turnip
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Hardin County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hardin County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Turnip will thrive.
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 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Turnip 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hardin 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 — Hardin County, IL
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jun 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Hardin County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Hardin County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 04 in Hardin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 210.0-day season in Hardin 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 Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, IL?
Hardin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Turnip in Hardin County, IL?
In Hardin County, IL, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 4) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hardin County, IL for Turnip?
Hardin 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 Hardin County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Hardin County's temperate climate. Hardin County averages a 210-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 4 and first frost around October 31.
Your Hardin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hardin 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.