When to plant Potatoes in Alcona County, MI
Plant Potatoes in Alcona County, between May 24 and June 14 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (139 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Potatoes in Alcona County, MI
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Alcona County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Alcona County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Potatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Alcona County's 139-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Alcona County, MI
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Alcona County
Growing Tips for Alcona 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Potatoes in Alcona County, MI?
Alcona County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alcona County, MI?
Alcona County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Potatoes in Alcona County, MI?
In Alcona County, MI, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 17) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alcona County, MI for Potatoes?
Alcona County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Potatoes grow in Alcona County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Alcona County's temperate climate. Alcona County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 17 and first frost around October 3.
Your Alcona County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alcona County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.