When to plant turnips in Coos Bay and North Bend, OR

Plant turnips from seed, directly in the garden in Coos Bay and North Bend, Mar 25 – May 6. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 13–27.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Coos Bay and North Bend's typical last spring frost is February 21. On the coast, the soil is usually ready for turnips around March 25.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Mar 25 – May 6, ½ inch deep, Thin to 4 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 13–27 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Pull at 2 to 3 inches across for tender roots. The greens are good to eat too.

Cabbage root maggots tunnel into roots in cool, wet soil. Cover the bed with row cover from sowing on.

Harvest small for tender roots. Fall turnips sweeten after a light frost.

When is the last frost in Coos Bay and North Bend, OR?

Typically February 21. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by March 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for North Bend Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant turnips in Coos Bay and North Bend?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 13 to August 27.

How long until I can harvest turnips?

About 50 days after planting. Pull at 2 to 3 inches across for tender roots. The greens are good to eat too.