When to plant Daikon in Hickman County, KY
Plant Daikon in Hickman County after March 28; the prime window is March 14–April 4. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daikon in Hickman County, KY
Your August planting checklist for Hickman County, Kentucky
Here's what deserves your attention in Hickman County, Kentucky this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start your fall crops: daikon
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
Daikon is a large, mild Japanese radish that can grow over a foot long. It is excellent for pickling, stir-fries, and as a soil-breaking cover crop.
Hickman County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 1,219 feet, Hickman County receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.
Hickman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Daikon 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 Hickman County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hickman County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.
How to Plant Daikon
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daikon
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Daikon Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Daikon
Daikon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Daikon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Hickman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daikon 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.
Daikon Planting Timeline — Hickman County, KY
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jun 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" 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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Hickman County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Hickman County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 28 in Hickman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Daikon 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 late summer for fall harvest. Loosen soil deeply before planting. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Harvest before hard freeze as exposed shoulders may crack.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Hickman County, KY?
Hickman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hickman County, KY?
Hickman County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Daikon in Hickman County, KY?
In Hickman County, KY, plant Daikon after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hickman County, KY for Daikon?
Hickman County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daikon grow in Hickman County's climate?
Yes — Daikon grows well in Hickman County's temperate climate. Hickman County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around October 31.
Your Hickman County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hickman County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.