When to plant Potatoes in Grant County, KS
Potatoes planted in Grant County between April 28 and May 19 matures in 70–120 days — well before the October 17 first frost.
When to Plant Potatoes in Grant County, KS
This month in Grant County, Kansas
Your Grant County, Kansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Time to start potatoes inside
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,096 feet, Grant County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Potatoes Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Grant County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) is more alkaline than Potatoes prefers (5.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Potatoes will thrive.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 19 to harvest before frost.
Potatoes Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Grant County, KS
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Grant County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 21 in Grant County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Grant County, KS?
Grant County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, KS?
Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Potatoes in Grant County, KS?
In Grant County, KS, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Grant County, KS for Potatoes?
Grant 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 Grant County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Grant County's temperate climate. Grant County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 17.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grant 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.