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When to plant Potatoes in Kent County, DE

For Kent County, gardeners: plant Potatoes April 9 through April 30 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Potatoes in Kent County, DE

Potatoes

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

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.

Kent County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

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 Kent County's 216-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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Sep 3

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 Harvest
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, DE?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, DE?

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Potatoes in Kent County, DE?

In Kent County, DE, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Potatoes?

Kent County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Kent County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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.

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 Kent County, DE. 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.