When to Plant Horseradish in Davidson County, TN
What to do in May
Your Davidson County, Tennessee garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.
Davidson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,344 feet, Davidson County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Horseradish during the growing season.
Davidson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
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 Davidson County
How your county's soil matches Horseradish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.0) overlaps with Horseradish's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Davidson County is excellent for Horseradish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Horseradish.
How to Plant Horseradish
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Horseradish
Horseradish needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Horseradish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Davidson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Horseradish 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.
Horseradish Planting Timeline — Davidson County, TN
Horseradish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Nov 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Davidson County
Growing Tips for Horseradish in Davidson County
Direct sow Horseradish outdoors after April 05 in Davidson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Horseradish in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Horseradish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Horseradish in Davidson County, TN?
Davidson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Davidson County, TN?
Davidson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Davidson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Davidson 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.