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When to plant Turnip in Monroe County, MO

In Monroe County, plant Turnip in spring between March 31 and April 21, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Monroe County's last frost averages April 14, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 12 and August 26 — roughly 40–60 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Turnip in Monroe County, MO

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.

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Monroe County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Turnip Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MO

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest May 12 May 12 – Jun 16
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

190 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turnip in Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MO?

Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Turnip in Monroe County, MO?

In Monroe County, MO, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, MO for Turnip?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Turnip grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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