When to plant Rutabaga in Pulaski County County,
For Rutabaga in Pulaski County County, the safe spring window opens around April 11 and closes around May 2. Last expected frost is April 25, first fall frost October 17, giving a 175-day growing season. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Rutabaga in Pulaski County, IN
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Pulaski County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 764 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.9) overlaps with Rutabaga's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Rutabaga Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski 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 — Pulaski County, IN
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Pulaski County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after April 25 in Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, IN?
Pulaski County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, IN?
Pulaski County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Rutabaga in Pulaski County County, ?
In Pulaski County County, , plant Rutabaga after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County County, for Rutabaga?
Pulaski County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Rutabaga grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rutabaga grow in Pulaski County County's climate?
Yes — Rutabaga grows well in Pulaski County County's temperate climate. Pulaski County County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 17.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.