When to Plant Potatoes in Starr County, TX
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Starr County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 316 days.
At an elevation of 2,451 feet, Starr County receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Potatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.
Starr County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Potatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Starr County's 316-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Starr County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Potatoes Planting Timeline — Starr County, TX
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 23 | Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 9b
📆 Growing Season
316 days in Starr County
Growing Tips for Starr 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 Starr County, TX?
Starr County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Starr County, TX?
Starr County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 16.
Your Starr County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Starr 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.