When to Plant Potatoes in Shoshone County, ID
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Shoshone County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 6,353 feet, Shoshone County receives approximately 14.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Potatoes to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Potatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Shoshone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Potatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Shoshone County's 139-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Potatoes
Potatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Shoshone County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Shoshone County, ID
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Shoshone County
Growing Tips for Shoshone 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Shoshone County, ID?
Shoshone County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shoshone County, ID?
Shoshone County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Shoshone County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.