PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

March 27 – April 10

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Pittsburgh year

Climate basis: NOAA station Emsworth L/d Ohio Rvr, PA (USC00362574), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Pittsburgh (ZCTA 15222 centroid), elevation 717 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow turnips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 24). One year in ten still freezes after May 11.

Last spring freezeApril 241-in-10 after May 11
First fall freezeOctober 271-in-10 before Oct 13
Frost-free season≈ 186 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 12 – Nov 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Pittsburgh year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 27 – Apr 10
Fall plantingSep 1 – Sep 29
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 11
Turnips in Pittsburgh · freeze context from Emsworth L/d Ohio Rvr, PA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 27 – Apr 10

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 (Apr 24). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 1 – Sep 29

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 27). 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)

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