Potato in Zone 3a & 3b
Solanum tuberosum
Yes, potato grows in zones 3a and 3b. Plant it outside May 16–May 23.
When to plant potato in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 14–Aug 21 (~90 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of potato in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- OnionMay 9–May 16
- RadishMay 2–May 9
- CarrotMay 9–May 16
- CabbageMay 16–May 23
- LettuceMay 16–May 23
- BroccoliMay 16–May 23
Potatoes aren't grown from true seed in the home garden. They're grown from seed potatoes, small tubers (or cut pieces of larger ones) planted directly in a furrow, each one sending up a plant that produces a new cluster of tubers underground.
How potato fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Potato needs about 90 days from sowing to first harvest.
Potato planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Not usually | May 16–May 23 | Aug 14–Aug 21 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 1–May 8 | Jul 30–Aug 6 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | Apr 26–May 3 | Jul 25–Aug 1 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jul 10–Jul 17 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 25–Jul 2 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 11–Mar 18 | Jun 9–Jun 16 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 1–Feb 8 | May 2–May 9 |
| 10a & 10bFall window | Aug–Dec | Sep–Jan | ~90 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 90 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
- Bush Beans: Beans fix nitrogen that heavy-feeding potatoes use.
Where to buy potato seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's potato seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Yukon Gold: Rated 3.9 stars in Cornell's Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners database, with a standout 4.2-star taste rating for its buttery flavor, at 60-75 days. Buy: True Leaf Market · High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing potato" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Potato in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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