When to plant Daikon in Kennebec County, ME
For Daikon in Kennebec County, the safe spring window opens around April 26 and closes around May 17. Last expected frost is May 10, first fall frost October 5, giving a 148-day growing season. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daikon in Kennebec County, ME
Your June planting checklist for Kennebec County, Maine
Your garden in Kennebec County, Maine is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Start harvesting daikon
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: daikon
- Fall sowing: daikon
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.
Kennebec County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Kennebec County receives approximately 42.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.
Kennebec County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 Kennebec County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.4) is more acidic than Daikon prefers (5.8–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kennebec County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). 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 Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Kennebec 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 — Kennebec County, ME
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Kennebec County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Kennebec County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after May 10 in Kennebec 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 Kennebec County, ME?
Kennebec County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kennebec County, ME?
Kennebec County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Daikon in Kennebec County, ME?
In Kennebec County, ME, plant Daikon after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kennebec County, ME for Daikon?
Kennebec County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daikon grow in Kennebec County's climate?
Yes — Daikon grows well in Kennebec County's temperate climate. Kennebec County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 5.
Your Kennebec County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kennebec 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.