When to Plant Turnip in Catron County, NM
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.
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
At an elevation of 8,232 feet, Catron County receives approximately 10.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Turnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Turnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Catron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.7
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 Catron County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.7) is more alkaline than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Catron County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Turnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Turnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 0.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Catron 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 — Catron County, NM
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
111 days in Catron County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Catron County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after June 03 in Catron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Catron County dries quickly — mulch Turnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Catron County receives only 10" of rain annually. Turnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Catron County, NM?
Catron County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Catron County, NM?
Catron County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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