When to Plant Potatoes in Carbon County, WY
May in Carbon County, Wyoming — your action list
A quick May briefing for Carbon County, Wyoming gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Transplants going out: potatoes
- Direct-sowing: potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile staple crop that produces tubers underground. They come in hundreds of varieties with varying colors, textures, and maturity dates.
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 110 days.
At an elevation of 8,469 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Potatoes to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Potatoes successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Carbon County
How your county's soil matches Potatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Potatoes prefers (5.0–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Carbon County is excellent for Potatoes — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Potatoes.
How to Plant Potatoes
How Much Potatoes to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 20 potatoes plants in about 50 sq ft. In Carbon County's 110-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carbon 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 — Carbon County, WY
Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
| Direct Sow | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 28 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Nov 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
110 days in Carbon County
Growing Tips for Potatoes in Carbon County
Direct sow Potatoes outdoors after May 31 in Carbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 110.0-day growing season in Carbon County is tight for Potatoes (70.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Potatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Carbon County receives only 15" of rain annually. Potatoes needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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.
Recommended Potatoes Varieties for Carbon County
Early-maturing potatoes for your season
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 Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Carbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carbon County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.