When to Plant Turnip in Wallowa County, OR
Your May gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Wallowa County, Oregon's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: turnip
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.
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 1,240 feet, Wallowa County receives approximately 22.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Wallowa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 Wallowa County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wallowa County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Turnip will thrive.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wallowa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Turnip 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.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Wallowa County, OR
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Wallowa County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Wallowa County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after May 11 in Wallowa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Wallowa County receives only 23" of rain annually. Turnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Wallowa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wallowa County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.