When to Plant Radish in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Your May planting checklist for East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Here's what deserves your attention in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 283 days.
At an elevation of 96 feet, East Baton Rouge Parish receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Radish may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Radish will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radish root diseases.
East Baton Rouge Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 East Baton Rouge Parish
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in East Baton Rouge Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Radish will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in East Baton Rouge Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — East Baton Rouge Parish, LA
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 21 |
| Harvest | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
283 days in East Baton Rouge Parish
Growing Tips for Radish in East Baton Rouge Parish
Direct sow Radish outdoors after February 21 in East Baton Rouge Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in East Baton Rouge Parish dries quickly — mulch Radish with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in East Baton Rouge Parish reach 95°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 284.0-day season in East Baton Rouge Parish allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
East Baton Rouge Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is East Baton Rouge Parish, LA?
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your East Baton Rouge Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for East Baton Rouge Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.