When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Clarendon County, SC
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.
Clarendon County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 291 feet, Clarendon County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Potatoes during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sweet Potatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Potatoes root diseases.
Clarendon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6
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 — Clarendon County, SC
Sweet Potatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
237 days
Growing Tips for Clarendon 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 Clarendon County, SC?
Clarendon County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Sweet Potatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarendon County, SC?
Clarendon County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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