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When to Plant Potatoes in Waller 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.

Waller County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 288 days.

At an elevation of 376 feet, Waller County receives approximately 64.1 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.

Waller County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
288 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
288 growing days
First Fall Frost December 4

Waller County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 24 Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jul 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 1 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 1 – Aug 10

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 176 gal / 100 sq ft
Potatoes needs ~2,019 GDD — county provides 6,141 GDD Excellent fit

Potatoes Planting Timeline โ€” Waller County, TX

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 1 Jan 1 โ€“ Jan 15
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 19
Harvest May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February 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 8b

Growing Season

288 days

Growing Tips for Waller 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 Waller County, TX?

Waller County is in Zone 8b 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 Waller County, TX?

Waller County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Waller 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 Waller County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.