Blog

When to plant Sweet Potatoes in Wayne County, MI

Plant Sweet Potatoes in Wayne County from May 5 to May 26 in spring. Wayne County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 28 and first frost on October 20.

When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Wayne County, MI

Sweet potatoes are a warm-season root crop that produces nutritious, sweet tubers in orange, white, and purple varieties. They need a long, hot growing season.

Wayne County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 1,066 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season.

Wayne County, MI (Zone 6b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Wayne County, MI

Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 – May 26
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Sep 29

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
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne County

Plant slips (rooted sprouts) after soil is thoroughly warm. Build raised mounds for better root development. Cure harvested roots at 80-85F for 10 days to develop sweetness.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Squash Summer

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Wayne County, MI?

Wayne County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, MI?

Wayne County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Wayne County, MI?

In Wayne County, MI, plant Sweet Potatoes after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wayne County, MI for Sweet Potatoes?

Wayne County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Sweet Potatoes grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Potatoes grow in Wayne County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Potatoes grows well in Wayne County's temperate climate. Wayne County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne 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.

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 Wayne County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.