When to plant Potatoes in Wareham, MA
In Wareham, plant Potatoes in spring between April 25 and May 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Wareham's last frost averages April 18, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 70–120 days before the first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Potatoes in Wareham, MA
Top priorities for Plymouth County, Massachusetts gardeners in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for potatoes
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Wareham, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Plymouth County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Wareham Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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 Wareham
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.6) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Plymouth County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
Potatoes Water Budget
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Plymouth 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 — Wareham, MA
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 19 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Plymouth County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Wareham
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 18 in Plymouth 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
When should I plant Potatoes in Wareham, MA?
In Wareham, MA, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wareham, MA for Potatoes?
Wareham sits in USDA Zone 6b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Potatoes grow in Wareham's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Wareham's temperate climate. Wareham averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 26.
Your Plymouth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Plymouth 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.