When to plant Potatoes in Ingham County, MI
Ingham County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Potatoes between May 9 (after last frost on May 2) and May 30.
When to Plant Potatoes in Ingham 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.
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 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.
Ingham 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 Ingham County's 164-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 3 |
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 | — |
| 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
164 days in Ingham County
Growing Tips for Ingham 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 Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Potatoes in Ingham County, MI?
In Ingham County, MI, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Potatoes?
Ingham 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 Ingham County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham 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.