When to plant Turnip in Black Hawk County, IA
Aim to plant Turnip in Black Hawk County on or after April 15; the window stays open through May 6. Black Hawk County's 161-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Black Hawk County, IA
Your June gardening checklist
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
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Bring in the turnip
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: turnip
- Fall sowing: turnip
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.
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,380 feet, Black Hawk County receives approximately 38.3 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.
Black Hawk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Black Hawk County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Black Hawk County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Turnip Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Black Hawk 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 — Black Hawk County, IA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Black Hawk County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Black Hawk County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 29 in Black Hawk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 161.0-day season in Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Turnip in Black Hawk County, IA?
In Black Hawk County, IA, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Black Hawk County, IA for Turnip?
Black Hawk County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Black Hawk County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Black Hawk County's temperate climate. Black Hawk County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.
Your Black Hawk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Black Hawk County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.