When to Plant Potatoes in Lehigh County, PA
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Lehigh County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Lehigh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
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 — Lehigh County, PA
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 |
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 6b
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Lehigh 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 Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lehigh County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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