When to Plant Turnip in Calhoun County, TX
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.
Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 215 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Turnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Calhoun County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Calhoun County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Calhoun 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 — Calhoun County, TX
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | March 9 | Mar 9 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Calhoun County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after February 16 in Calhoun County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Calhoun County, provide afternoon shade for Turnip and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 295.0-day season in Calhoun County allows multiple plantings of Turnip. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Turnip 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 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Calhoun County, TX?
Calhoun County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, TX?
Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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