When to plant Potatoes in Alger County, MI
Alger County's climate puts the Potatoes spring window between May 17 and June 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Potatoes in Alger 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.
Alger County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,014 feet, Alger County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Potatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
Alger 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 Alger County's 159-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Alger County, MI
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 2 | Aug 2 – Oct 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Alger 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 Alger County, MI?
Alger County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alger County, MI?
Alger County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Potatoes in Alger County, MI?
In Alger County, MI, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alger County, MI for Potatoes?
Alger County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Potatoes grow in Alger County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Alger County's temperate climate. Alger County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 16.
Your Alger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alger County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.