When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Gregg County, TX
May in the garden — Gregg County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Gregg County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: sweet potatoes
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.
Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 337 feet, Gregg County receives approximately 74.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Sweet Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sweet Potatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Potatoes root diseases.
Gregg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 Gregg County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is within Sweet Potatoes's preferred range (5.5–6.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Gregg County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sweet Potatoes will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sweet Potatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Potatoes.
How to Plant Sweet Potatoes
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Potatoes
Sweet 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 | Sweet Potatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 13" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Gregg County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet 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.
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Gregg County, TX
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Gregg County
Growing Tips for Sweet Potatoes in Gregg County
Direct sow Sweet Potatoes outdoors after March 09 in Gregg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Gregg County dries quickly — mulch Sweet Potatoes with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Gregg County, provide afternoon shade for Sweet Potatoes and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Gregg County, TX?
Gregg County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gregg County, TX?
Gregg County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Gregg County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Gregg County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.