When to Plant Turnip in Madison County, OH
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.
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Madison County receives approximately 35.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
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 — Madison County, OH
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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
181 days
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, OH?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, OH?
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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