PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Grand Rapids, Michigan

April 8 – April 22

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Grand Rapids year

Climate basis: NOAA station E Grand Rapids, MI (USC00202375), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Grand Rapids (ZCTA 49503 centroid), elevation 746 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow turnips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 6). One year in ten still freezes after May 23.

Last spring freezeMay 61-in-10 after May 23
First fall freezeOctober 101-in-10 before Sep 29
Frost-free season≈ 157 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 27 – Oct 23kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Grand Rapids year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 8 – Apr 22
Fall plantingAug 15 – Sep 12
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 23
Turnips in Grand Rapids · freeze context from E Grand Rapids, MI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 8 – Apr 22

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 3 (−28 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 6). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 15 – Sep 12

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 10). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 45–60 days; Penn State lists 55).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

Keep exploring

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