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When to plant Potatoes in Monroe County, MS

Plant Potatoes in Monroe County after March 23; the prime window is March 30–April 20.

When to Plant Potatoes in Monroe County, MS

Potatoes

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

Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 448 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Potatoes, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.

Monroe County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay 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 Monroe County's 228-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MS

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, MS?

Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MS?

Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Potatoes in Monroe County, MS?

In Monroe County, MS, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, MS for Potatoes?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Potatoes grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Potatoes grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 8a). 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 Monroe County, MS. 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.