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When to plant Potatoes in Bond County, IL

Plant Potatoes in Bond County from April 20 to May 11 in spring. Bond County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 13 and first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Potatoes in Bond County, IL

Potatoes

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

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Bond County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.

Bond County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Bond County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

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 Bond County's 191-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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Bond County, IL

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 – May 11
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Bond County

Growing Tips for Bond 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 Bond County, IL?

Bond County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bond County, IL?

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Potatoes in Bond County, IL?

In Bond County, IL, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bond County, IL for Potatoes?

Bond County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Bond County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Bond County's temperate climate. Bond County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Bond County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bond County (Zone 6b). 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 Bond County, IL. 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.