When to plant Rutabaga in Crawford County County,
In Crawford County County, plant Rutabaga in spring between March 29 and April 19, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Crawford County County's last frost averages April 12, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 100 days before the first frost on October 21.
When to Plant Rutabaga in Crawford County, IN
This month in Crawford County, Indiana
Your Crawford County, Indiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Pick rutabaga
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: rutabaga
Rutabagas are a cross between turnips and cabbage, producing large yellow-fleshed roots with a sweet, mild flavor. They are excellent mashed, roasted, or in stews.
Crawford County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 1,339 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Rutabaga 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 Crawford County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Rutabaga's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crawford County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Rutabaga.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Rutabaga will thrive.
How to Plant Rutabaga
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Rutabaga
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Rutabaga Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Rutabaga
Rutabaga needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rutabaga Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crawford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rutabaga 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.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IN
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Crawford County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after April 12 in Crawford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Rutabaga 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 summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rutabaga in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Crawford County, IN?
Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, IN?
Crawford County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Rutabaga in Crawford County County, ?
In Crawford County County, , plant Rutabaga after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County County, for Rutabaga?
Crawford County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Rutabaga grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rutabaga grow in Crawford County County's climate?
Yes — Rutabaga grows well in Crawford County County's temperate climate. Crawford County County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 21.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.