When to Plant Potatoes in Hampshire County, WV
This month in Hampshire County, West Virginia
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hampshire County, West Virginia.
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Time to transplant potatoes
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Put potatoes seeds straight in the ground
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Hampshire County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 3,578 feet, Hampshire County receives approximately 44.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Potatoes during the growing season.
Hampshire County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 Hampshire County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Potatoes's range (5.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hampshire 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 Jun 18 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hampshire 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 — Hampshire County, WV
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Hampshire County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Hampshire County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after April 29 in Hampshire 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 Hampshire County, WV?
Hampshire County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hampshire County, WV?
Hampshire County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Hampshire County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hampshire 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.