When to Plant Rutabaga in Lewis County, NY
What to do in May
Your garden in Lewis County, New York is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Direct-sow rutabaga
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
Rutabagas are a cross between turnips and cabbage, producing large yellow-fleshed roots with a sweet, mild flavor. They are excellent mashed, roasted, or in stews.
Lewis County, New York is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 1,075 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rutabaga to ensure they mature before fall.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Lewis County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) is more acidic than Rutabaga prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lewis County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Rutabaga.
How to Plant Rutabaga
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Rutabaga
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 12.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rutabaga
Rutabaga needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rutabaga Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lewis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rutabaga 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.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Lewis County, NY
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Lewis County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after May 11 in Lewis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Rutabaga 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 summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rutabaga in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Lewis County, NY?
Lewis County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, NY?
Lewis County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lewis County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.