When to plant Parsnip in Putnam County, IL
Spring Parsnip in Putnam County goes in April 7–April 28, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Parsnip in Putnam County, IL
Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.
Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 582 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Putnam County, IL
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
100–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Putnam County
Growing Tips for Putnam County
Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Parsnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Putnam County, IL?
Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, IL?
Putnam County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Parsnip in Putnam County, IL?
In Putnam County, IL, plant Parsnip after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Putnam County, IL for Parsnip?
Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Parsnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Parsnip grow in Putnam County's climate?
Yes — Parsnip grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.
Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam 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.