Blog

When to Plant Potatoes in Augusta County, VA

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 889 feet, Augusta County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Potatoes root diseases.

Augusta County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Augusta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Potatoes to Grow

3-5 lbs
Average yield per plant
5
Plants per person
10 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 40 sq ft. In Augusta County's 185-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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Augusta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Potatoes Planting Timeline — Augusta County, VA

Potatoes Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 21

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Augusta County

Growing Tips for Augusta 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Squash Summer

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Potatoes in Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.

🌱

Your Augusta County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Augusta County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Augusta County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.