When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Guernsey County, OH
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.
Guernsey County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 790 feet, Guernsey County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season.
Guernsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
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
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Guernsey County, OH
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 |
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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
169 days
Growing Tips for Guernsey 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 Guernsey County, OH?
Guernsey County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Guernsey County, OH?
Guernsey County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Guernsey County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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