When to Plant Potatoes in Worth County, MO
Your May game plan for Worth County, Missouri
Your Worth County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Set out potatoes seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Worth County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 578 feet, Worth County receives approximately 33.1 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.
Worth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Worth County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Worth County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Potatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 15 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Potatoes
Potatoes needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Worth County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Worth County, MO
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Worth County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Worth County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 22 in Worth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Worth County, MO?
Worth County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Worth County, MO?
Worth County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Worth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Worth County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.