When to Plant Radish in Holt County, MO
Your May game plan for Holt County, Missouri
May is a pivotal month for Holt County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the radish
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 819 feet, Holt County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Holt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Holt County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Radish's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Holt County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Holt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish 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.
Radish Planting Timeline — Holt County, MO
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Holt County
Growing Tips for Radish in Holt County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 21 in Holt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 177.0-day season in Holt County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish 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 every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Holt County, MO?
Holt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Holt County, MO?
Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 15.
Your Holt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Holt County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.