When to Plant Turnip in Elkhart County, IN
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.
Elkhart County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 768 feet, Elkhart County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Elkhart County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Turnip Planting Timeline — Elkhart County, IN
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Elkhart County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Elkhart County, IN?
Elkhart County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elkhart County, IN?
Elkhart County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Elkhart County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.