When to Plant Radish in Durham County, NC
Your May planting checklist for Durham County, North Carolina
May is a pivotal month for Durham County, North Carolina gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: radish
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Durham County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 727 feet, Durham County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radish, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Durham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
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 Durham County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) overlaps with Radish's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Your soil has 31% clay, which can cause forked or stunted roots for Radish. Use raised beds with loose, sandy mix for best results.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Durham 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 — Durham County, NC
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Durham County
Growing Tips for Radish in Durham County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 02 in Durham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Durham County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Radish. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your generous 215.0-day season in Durham 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 Durham County, NC?
Durham County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Durham County, NC?
Durham County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Durham County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Durham County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.