When to Plant Parsnip in Goshen County, WY
May in Goshen County, Wyoming — your action list
Your Goshen County, Wyoming garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 5,820 feet, Goshen County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Parsnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Goshen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
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 Goshen County
How your county's soil matches Parsnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Parsnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goshen County is excellent for Parsnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Parsnip.
How to Plant Parsnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Parsnip
Parsnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Parsnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Goshen County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Parsnip 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.
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Goshen County, WY
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
100–130 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Goshen County
Growing Tips for Parsnip in Goshen County
Direct sow Parsnip outdoors after May 13 in Goshen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 139.0-day growing season in Goshen County is tight for Parsnip (100.0-130.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Parsnip in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Goshen County receives only 16" of rain annually. Parsnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Parsnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Goshen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goshen County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.