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When to Plant Potatoes in San Augustine 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.

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 146 feet, San Augustine County receives approximately 62.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.

San Augustine County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

San Augustine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 7 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Aug 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Sep 2

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Potatoes needs ~2,090 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Potatoes Planting Timeline โ€” San Augustine County, TX

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 โ€“ Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Apr 2
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 8b

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for San Augustine 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 San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help San Augustine County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 San Augustine County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.