When to Plant Onion in Pittsburg County, OK
May in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma — your action list
Your Pittsburg County, Oklahoma garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start onion indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 620 feet, Pittsburg County receives approximately 32.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season.
Pittsburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
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 Pittsburg County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Onion's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pittsburg County is excellent for Onion — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Onion
Onion needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Onion Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Pittsburg County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Onion 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.
Onion Planting Timeline — Pittsburg County, OK
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Pittsburg County
Growing Tips for Onion in Pittsburg County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after April 04 in Pittsburg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Onion in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Pittsburg County, OK?
Pittsburg County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pittsburg County, OK?
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Pittsburg County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pittsburg 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.