When to Plant Potatoes in Baca County, CO
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Potatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Baca County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Baca County, CO
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–120 days
Soil pH
5 – 6.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
182 days
Growing Tips for Baca County
Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 4 inches deep in spring. Hill soil around stems as plants grow to prevent greening. Stop watering when plants die back.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Baca County, CO?
Baca County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baca County, CO?
Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Baca County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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