When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Richland 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.
Richland County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,020 feet, Richland County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season.
Richland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.3
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.
Plant Water Budget
Sweet Potatoes Planting Timeline — Richland County, OH
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 28 |
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 | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Richland 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 Richland County, OH?
Richland County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Richland County, OH?
Richland County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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