When to plant Turnip in Scott County, IN
The best window to plant Turnip in Scott County, is March 29–April 19, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 12; first frost October 20. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Scott County, IN
This month in Scott County, Indiana
Your Scott County, Indiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for August and why each task matters now.
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Direct-sow turnip for cool weather
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
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.
Scott County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 615 feet, Scott County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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 Scott County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Turnip's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — 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 Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott 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 — Scott County, IN
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jun 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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 | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Scott County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 12 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 191.0-day season in Scott 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 Scott County, IN?
Scott County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, IN?
Scott County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Turnip in Scott County, IN?
In Scott County, IN, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, IN for Turnip?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.