When to Plant Radish in Bernalillo County, NM
This month in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
A quick May briefing for Bernalillo County, New Mexico gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Bring in the radish
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: radish
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.
Bernalillo County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 4,326 feet, Bernalillo County receives approximately 16.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Radish will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radish successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bernalillo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.2
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 Bernalillo County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.2) is more alkaline than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Bernalillo County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Radish will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bernalillo 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 — Bernalillo County, NM
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Bernalillo County
Growing Tips for Radish in Bernalillo County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 30 in Bernalillo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Bernalillo County dries quickly — mulch Radish with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Bernalillo County reach 91°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 167.0-day season in Bernalillo 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 Bernalillo County, NM?
Bernalillo County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bernalillo County, NM?
Bernalillo County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Bernalillo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bernalillo County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.