When to Plant Turnip in Racine County, WI
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.
Racine County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 513 feet, Racine County receives approximately 39 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.
Racine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 — Racine County, WI
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 26 |
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 | — |
| 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
172 days
Growing Tips for Racine 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 Racine County, WI?
Racine County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Racine County, WI?
Racine County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Racine County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.