Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Vermont

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

In Vermont, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Vermont Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Vermont you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Vermont 3b, 4a May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Vermont

Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Vermont

Potatoes in Vermont's Climate

Your cold climate grows excellent potatoes. Plant seed potatoes when soil reaches 45°F — typically mid to late April. Sandy northern soils warm quickly and produce clean, well-shaped tubers. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have been premier potato regions for over a century. The moderate summer temperatures allow slow, steady tuber development that builds starch and flavor.

Soil Considerations for Vermont

Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Vermont Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable.

Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. This difference matters for potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully across Vermont, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Vermont gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Vermont can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Vermont Planting Calendar All plants for Vermont Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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