Blog

When to plant Potatoes in Lake County County,

Potatoes planted in Lake County County between February 12 and March 5 matures in 120 days — well before the December 11 first frost.

When to Plant Potatoes in Lake County, FL

Potatoes

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

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 302 days.

At an elevation of 130 feet, Lake County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Potatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.

Lake County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
302 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
302 growing days
First Fall Frost December 11

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-5.7

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 Lake County's 302-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 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

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

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Lake County, FL

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 15
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 – Jul 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

302 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, FL?

Lake County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, FL?

Lake County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 11.

When should I plant Potatoes in Lake County County, ?

In Lake County County, , plant Potatoes after the last frost (around February 12) and before the first frost (around December 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County County, for Potatoes?

Lake County County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Lake County County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Lake County County's temperate climate. Lake County County averages a 303-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 12 and first frost around December 11.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 9b). 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 Lake County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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