When to Plant Potatoes in Clay County, AR
What to do in May
Each item below is timed to Clay County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Start potatoes indoors
You're about 25 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Clay County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 1,448 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Clay County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clay County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clay 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 — Clay County, AR
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Clay County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after March 27 in Clay 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 Clay County, AR?
Clay County is in Zone 7b 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 Clay County, AR?
Clay County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.