When to Plant Potatoes in Sullivan 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.
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 560 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.8
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 Sullivan County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.8) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sullivan County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 19 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, PA
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 24 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Sullivan County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after May 01 in Sullivan 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
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Sullivan County, PA?
Sullivan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, PA?
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sullivan 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.