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When to Plant Potatoes in Somervell 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.

Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.

At an elevation of 4,773 feet, Somervell County receives approximately 64.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Potatoes, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.

Somervell County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
238 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
238 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Somervell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 18 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (77 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 13

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
1.1″/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 ~1,662 GDD — county provides 4,165 GDD Excellent fit

Potatoes Planting Timeline โ€” Somervell County, TX

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 16
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

238 days

Growing Tips for Somervell 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 Somervell County, TX?

Somervell County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Somervell County, TX?

Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Somervell County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Somervell County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.