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When to plant Turnip in Laurel County, KY

For Laurel County, gardeners: plant Turnip April 5 through April 26 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Turnip in Laurel County, KY

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.

Laurel County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 2,549 feet, Laurel County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.

Laurel County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Laurel County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Turnip Planting Timeline — Laurel County, KY

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 21
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Laurel County

Growing Tips for Laurel County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turnip in Laurel County, KY?

Laurel County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Laurel County, KY?

Laurel County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Turnip in Laurel County, KY?

In Laurel County, KY, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Laurel County, KY for Turnip?

Laurel County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Turnip grow in Laurel County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Laurel County's temperate climate. Laurel County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Laurel County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Laurel 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.

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

Sources & credits

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