When to Plant Potatoes in Summers County, WV
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 2,610 feet, Summers County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.
Summers County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Summers County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Summers County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Potatoes
Potatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Summers County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Summers County, WV
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Oct 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Summers County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Summers County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after May 05 in Summers County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Summers County, WV?
Summers County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summers County, WV?
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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