When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Dodge County, GA
Dodge County, Georgia gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Dodge County, Georgia.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a warm-season root crop that produces nutritious, sweet tubers in orange, white, and purple varieties. They need a long, hot growing season.
Dodge County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 50 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Sweet Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sweet Potatoes, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Potatoes root diseases.
Dodge County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Potatoes
Sweet 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 | Sweet Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dodge County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Dodge County, GA
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 |
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
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Dodge County
Growing Tips for Dodge County
Plant slips (rooted sprouts) after soil is thoroughly warm. Build raised mounds for better root development. Cure harvested roots at 80-85F for 10 days to develop sweetness.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Dodge County, GA?
Dodge County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dodge County, GA?
Dodge County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Dodge County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dodge 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.