When to Plant Turnip in Whitman County, WA
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.
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,541 feet, Whitman County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Turnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Whitman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Turnip Planting Timeline — Whitman County, WA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
142 days
Growing Tips for Whitman 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 Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Whitman County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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