When to Plant Turnip in Stark 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.
Stark County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,118 feet, Stark County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Stark County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Turnip's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stark County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Turnip Planting Timeline — Stark County, OH
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Stark County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 30 in Stark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 171.0-day season in Stark County allows multiple plantings of Turnip. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
Level Up Your Garden
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Stark County, OH?
Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stark County, OH?
Stark County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stark County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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