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When to plant Carrots in Harrison County, IA

Harrison County's climate puts the Carrots spring window between April 10 and May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 1 to August 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Carrots in Harrison County, IA

Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.

Harrison County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 35.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.

Harrison County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Harrison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots

Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Carrots Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Harrison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline — Harrison County, IA

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 17
Fall Sowing August 1 Aug 1 – Aug 15

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Harrison County

Growing Tips for Harrison County

Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Dill
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Carrots Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd year flowers. Harvest umbels when brown.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Harrison County, IA?

Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harrison County, IA?

Harrison County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Carrots in Harrison County, IA?

In Harrison County, IA, plant Carrots after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Harrison County, IA for Carrots?

Harrison County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Carrots grow in Harrison County's climate?

Yes — Carrots grows well in Harrison County's temperate climate. Harrison County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 10.

🌱

Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Harrison 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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