When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Lauderdale County, AL
Sweet potatoes are a warm-season root crop that produces nutritious, sweet tubers in orange, white, and purple varieties. They need a long, hot growing season.
Lauderdale County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 75 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sweet Potatoes, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Potatoes root diseases.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Lauderdale County, AL
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
90–120 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
200 days
Growing Tips for Lauderdale County
Plant slips (rooted sprouts) after soil is thoroughly warm. Build raised mounds for better root development. Cure harvested roots at 80-85F for 10 days to develop sweetness.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Sweet Potatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Potatoes in Lauderdale County, AL?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, AL?
Lauderdale County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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