When to Plant Potatoes in Hamilton County, OH
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Hamilton County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 735 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, OH
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
188 days
Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, OH?
Hamilton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, OH?
Hamilton County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hamilton County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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