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When to plant Potatoes in Hamilton County County,

Hamilton County County's spring Potatoes window runs April 16 through May 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Potatoes in Hamilton 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.

Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 524 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.

Hamilton County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.7

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 Hamilton County's 197-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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IL

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
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

197 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, IL?

Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Potatoes in Hamilton County County, ?

In Hamilton County County, , plant Potatoes after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County County, for Potatoes?

Hamilton County 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 Hamilton County County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Hamilton County County's temperate climate. Hamilton County County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 23.

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Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IL. 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.