Blog

When to Plant Potatoes in Tyler 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.

Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.

At an elevation of 378 feet, Tyler County receives approximately 75.3 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.

Tyler County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
258 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
258 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Tyler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Aug 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 31

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 170 gal / 100 sq ft
Potatoes needs ~2,019 GDD — county provides 5,482 GDD Excellent fit

Potatoes Planting Timeline โ€” Tyler County, TX

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest May 29 May 29 โ€“ Aug 7

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

258 days

Growing Tips for Tyler 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 Tyler County, TX?

Tyler County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tyler County, TX?

Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tyler County gardeners in Zone 8b 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.

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