When to Plant Turnip in McIntosh County, ND
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.
McIntosh County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, McIntosh County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
McIntosh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Turnip Planting Timeline — McIntosh County, ND
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
139 days
Growing Tips for McIntosh 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 McIntosh County, ND?
McIntosh County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McIntosh County, ND?
McIntosh County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help McIntosh County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.