When to Plant Turnip in USDA Zone 2a
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 2a this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Outdoor sowing time: turnip
Your soil is warming°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Fall sowing: turnip
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.
In Zone 2a, the average last spring frost is around May 30 and the first fall frost is around September 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Zone 2a
Where Is USDA Zone 2a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2a. Click any state to see the Turnip planting schedule for that location.
Turnip Planting Calendar — Zone 2a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 |
| Fall Sowing | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
94 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Turnip in Zone
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Turnip in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~94 days). Start Turnip indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
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- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Turnip Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Turnip in Other Zones
Turnip by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, plan your Turnip planting around the average last frost date of May 30. Direct sow outdoors around May 23.
Can Turnip grow in Zone 2a?
Yes, Turnip can grow well in Zone 2a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 2a has a growing season of approximately 94 days, which is sufficient for Turnip (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Turnip in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, expect to harvest Turnip from July 4 – August 8. Turnip takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2a is around May 30, and the first fall frost is around September 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 94 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Turnip?
Good companion plants for Turnip include Peas, Lettuce, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.