When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in York County, PA
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.
York County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 748 feet, York County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season.
York County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.3
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 — York County, PA
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 |
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 6b
Growing Season
198 days
Growing Tips for York 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 York County, PA?
York County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is York County, PA?
York County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help York County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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