When to plant Potatoes in McCone County, MT
McCone County sits in cold Zone 4a. Plant Potatoes May 28–June 18 for the single annual harvest; the September 22 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Potatoes in McCone County, MT
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 5,568 feet, McCone County receives approximately 22 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Potatoes to ensure they mature before fall.
McCone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
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 McCone County's 131-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Potatoes Planting Timeline — McCone County, MT
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
131 days in McCone County
Growing Tips for McCone 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 McCone County, MT?
McCone County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCone County, MT?
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Potatoes in McCone County, MT?
In McCone County, MT, plant Potatoes after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McCone County, MT for Potatoes?
McCone County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Potatoes grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Potatoes grow in McCone County's climate?
Yes — Potatoes grows well in McCone County's temperate climate. McCone County averages a 131-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 22.
Your McCone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McCone County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.