When to plant Turnip in Keweenaw County, MI
Plant Turnip in Keweenaw County after May 19; the prime window is May 5–May 26. A second sowing from July 23 to August 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Keweenaw County, MI
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Keweenaw County, Michigan gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for turnip
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: turnip
- Fall sowing: turnip
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.
Keweenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Keweenaw County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Keweenaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Turnip 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 Keweenaw County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Turnip's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Keweenaw County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Turnip will thrive.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 23.
Turnip 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Keweenaw County). 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 — Keweenaw County, MI
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Keweenaw County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Keweenaw County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after May 19 in Keweenaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Keweenaw County, MI?
Keweenaw County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Keweenaw County, MI?
Keweenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is October 1.
When should I plant Turnip in Keweenaw County, MI?
In Keweenaw County, MI, plant Turnip after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Keweenaw County, MI for Turnip?
Keweenaw County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Keweenaw County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Keweenaw County's temperate climate. Keweenaw County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around October 1.
Your Keweenaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Keweenaw 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.