When to Plant Potatoes in Matagorda County, TX
May in the garden — Matagorda County, Texas
Here's what deserves your attention in Matagorda County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Basket week: potatoes
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.
At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Potatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.
Matagorda County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy 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 Matagorda 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
Sandy soil in Matagorda County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Potatoes will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
Succession Planting Potatoes
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Matagorda 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 — Matagorda County, TX
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
290 days in Matagorda County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Matagorda County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after February 19 in Matagorda County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Matagorda County dries quickly — mulch Potatoes with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Matagorda County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Matagorda County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.