When to Plant Daikon in Washington County, MS
May to-do list for Washington County, Mississippi
Here's what deserves your attention in Washington County, Mississippi this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest daikon as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Washington County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 258 feet, Washington County receives approximately 55.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Daikon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.4
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 Washington County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.4) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Washington County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Plant 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington 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 — Washington County, MS
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" 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
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Washington County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 06 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Washington County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Daikon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Washington County, MS?
Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, MS?
Washington County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Washington 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.