When to Plant Radish in Mason County, WV
Your May game plan for Mason County, West Virginia
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Mason County, West Virginia this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for radish
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: radish
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.
Mason County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 3,198 feet, Mason County receives approximately 43.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season.
Mason County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Mason County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mason County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 10.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mason 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 — Mason County, WV
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Mason County
Growing Tips for Radish in Mason County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 27 in Mason County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 175.0-day season in Mason 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 Mason County, WV?
Mason County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mason County, WV?
Mason County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mason 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.