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When to Plant Potatoes in Matagorda County, TX

Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Potatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.

Matagorda County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Matagorda County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 27 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Aug 6

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 456 gal / 100 sq ft
Potatoes needs ~2,019 GDD — county provides 6,183 GDD Excellent fit

Potatoes Planting Timeline โ€” Matagorda County, TX

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 8 Jan 8 โ€“ Jan 22
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Harvest May 7 May 7 โ€“ Jul 16

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

70โ€“120 days

Soil pH

5 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

290 days

Growing Tips for Matagorda 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Squash Summer

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Potatoes in Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Matagorda County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Matagorda County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.