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When to plant Turnip in Stark County, IL

Stark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Turnip between April 7 (after last frost on April 21) and April 28. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Turnip in Stark 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.

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 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.

Stark County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Stark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Turnip Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jun 23
Fall Sowing August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 17

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

174 days in Stark County

Growing Tips for Stark 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turnip in Stark County, IL?

Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stark County, IL?

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Turnip in Stark County, IL?

In Stark County, IL, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stark County, IL for Turnip?

Stark 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 Stark County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Stark County's temperate climate. Stark County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stark 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stark County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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