When to plant Potatoes in Lowndes County, AL
Aim to plant Potatoes in Lowndes County on or after March 22; the window stays open through April 12. Lowndes County's 243-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Potatoes in Lowndes County, AL
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 392 feet, Lowndes County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Lowndes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Potatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Lowndes County's 243-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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lowndes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Lowndes County, AL
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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
243 days in Lowndes County
Growing Tips for Lowndes 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Lowndes County, AL?
Lowndes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lowndes County, AL?
Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.
When should I plant Potatoes in Lowndes County, AL?
In Lowndes County, AL, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around March 15) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lowndes County, AL for Potatoes?
Lowndes 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 Lowndes County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Lowndes County's temperate climate. Lowndes County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 15 and first frost around November 13.
Your Lowndes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lowndes 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.