When to Plant Turnip in Waukesha 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.
Waukesha County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,352 feet, Waukesha County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Waukesha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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 — Waukesha County, WI
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 29 |
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 5a
Growing Season
168 days
Growing Tips for Waukesha 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 Waukesha County, WI?
Waukesha County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waukesha County, WI?
Waukesha County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Waukesha County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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