When to Plant Turnip in Lamar County, MS
Top priorities for Lamar County, Mississippi gardeners in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Lamar County, Mississippi this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
It's harvest week for turnip
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Lamar County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.
At an elevation of 62 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Turnip, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.
Lamar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.4
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 Lamar County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.4) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lamar County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
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 Sep 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 12.
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar 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 — Lamar County, MS
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – May 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 12 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
260 days in Lamar County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Lamar County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after March 06 in Lamar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lamar County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Turnip. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 260.0-day season in Lamar County 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 Lamar County, MS?
Lamar County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamar County, MS?
Lamar County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 21.
Your Lamar County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lamar County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.