When to Plant Potatoes in Hardin 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.
Hardin County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 935 feet, Hardin County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Hardin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Hardin County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is more alkaline than Potatoes prefers (5.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hardin County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Hardin County, OH
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
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 | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Hardin County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Hardin County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 26 in Hardin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Hardin County, OH?
Hardin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hardin County, OH?
Hardin County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hardin County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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