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When to plant Potatoes in Charlevoix County, MI

Plant Potatoes in Charlevoix County from May 12 to June 2 in spring. Charlevoix County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around May 5 and first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Potatoes in Charlevoix County, MI

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.

Charlevoix County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 821 feet, Charlevoix County receives approximately 41.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Potatoes to ensure they mature before fall.

Charlevoix County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Charlevoix County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Charlevoix County's 169-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Charlevoix County, MI

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 – Jun 2
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 – Jun 2
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 – Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Charlevoix County

Growing Tips for Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County, MI?

Charlevoix County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Charlevoix County, MI?

Charlevoix County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Potatoes in Charlevoix County, MI?

In Charlevoix County, MI, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Charlevoix County, MI for Potatoes?

Charlevoix County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Charlevoix County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Charlevoix County's temperate climate. Charlevoix County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Charlevoix County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Charlevoix County (Zone 6a). 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 Charlevoix County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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