When to plant Potatoes in Chicot County, AR
Aim to plant Potatoes in Chicot County on or after March 21; the window stays open through April 11. Chicot 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 Chicot County, AR
This month in Chicot County, Arkansas
Your garden in Chicot County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Collect potatoes at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 1,421 feet, Chicot County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Chicot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Potatoes 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 Chicot County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Chicot County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Potatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 to harvest before frost.
Potatoes Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chicot 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 — Chicot County, AR
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 15 |
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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Chicot County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Chicot County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after March 14 in Chicot 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
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 Chicot County, AR?
Chicot County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chicot County, AR?
Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Potatoes in Chicot County, AR?
In Chicot County, AR, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chicot County, AR for Potatoes?
Chicot 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 Chicot County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Chicot County's temperate climate. Chicot County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 12.
Your Chicot County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chicot 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.