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When to plant Potatoes in Lee County, AL

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Plant Potatoes between April 3 (after last frost on March 27) and April 24.

When to Plant Potatoes in Lee County, AL

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 461 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, 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.

Lee County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Potatoes to Grow

3-5 lbs
Average yield per plant
5
Plants per person
10 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Lee County's 221-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

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 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Lee County, AL

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Potatoes in Lee County, AL?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, AL?

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Potatoes in Lee County, AL?

In Lee County, AL, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, AL for Potatoes?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 3.

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Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.