When to Plant Turnip in Red Lake County, MN
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Red Lake County, Minnesota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Outdoor sowing time: turnip
Your soil is 48°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: 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.
Red Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 616 feet, Red Lake County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Red Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 Red Lake County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Turnip's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Red Lake County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 12 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 09.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Red Lake 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 — Red Lake County, MN
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
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 | — |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Red Lake County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Red Lake County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after May 11 in Red Lake 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 Red Lake County, MN?
Red Lake County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Red Lake County, MN?
Red Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.
Your Red Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Red Lake County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.