When to Plant Potatoes in Cheatham County, TN
May in the garden — Cheatham County, Tennessee
Your Cheatham County, Tennessee garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Start potatoes indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Cheatham County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,381 feet, Cheatham County receives approximately 41.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Cheatham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Cheatham County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is within Potatoes's preferred range (5.0–6.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cheatham County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Jul 01 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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cheatham 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 — Cheatham County, TN
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Cheatham County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Cheatham County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 05 in Cheatham 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 Cheatham County, TN?
Cheatham County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheatham County, TN?
Cheatham County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Cheatham County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cheatham County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.