When to Plant Turnip in Terrebonne Parish, LA
This month in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
May is a pivotal month for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 7 and the first fall frost is December 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 304 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Terrebonne Parish receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Turnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Turnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.
Terrebonne Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 Terrebonne Parish
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) is more acidic than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Terrebonne Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Turnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 13.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Terrebonne Parish). 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 — Terrebonne Parish, LA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 17 | Jan 17 – Feb 7 |
| Harvest | February 28 | Feb 28 – Apr 4 |
| Fall Sowing | October 13 | Oct 13 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
304 days in Terrebonne Parish
Growing Tips for Turnip in Terrebonne Parish
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after February 07 in Terrebonne Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Terrebonne Parish dries quickly — mulch Turnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Terrebonne Parish, provide afternoon shade for Turnip and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 305.0-day season in Terrebonne Parish 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 Terrebonne Parish, LA?
Terrebonne Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 7. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Terrebonne Parish, LA?
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 7 and first fall frost is December 8.
Your Terrebonne Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Terrebonne Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.