When to Plant Turnip in Lancaster County, PA
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.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 35 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 46.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 — Lancaster County, PA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 18 |
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 6b
Growing Season
193 days
Growing Tips for Lancaster 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 Lancaster County, PA?
Lancaster County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, PA?
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lancaster County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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