When to Plant Sweet Potatoes in Wyoming
Not related to regular potatoes at all. Sweet potatoes need heat and a long growing season but reward with incredible harvests.
The Short Answer
Wyoming Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Wyoming you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Wyoming | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 10 - May 30 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Western Wyoming | 3a, 3b, 4a | May 25 - Jun 15 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
| Southern Wyoming | 4b, 5a, 5b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
Sweet Potatoes Planting Schedule for Wyoming
Eastern Wyoming (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 10 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Western Wyoming (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Wyoming (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Growing Sweet Potatoes in Wyoming
Sweet Potatoes in Wyoming's Climate
Sweet potatoes are a stretch in cold climates — the crop needs 90+ days of warm soil and air. Southern zones 5b-5a gardeners can succeed with Beauregard (90 days), black plastic mulch, and raised beds. Northern zone 3-4 gardeners should skip sweet potatoes — the season simply isn't long enough. Container growing on a sun-baked patio sometimes works where in-ground doesn't.
Soil Considerations for Wyoming
Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment needed. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for sweet potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Wyoming Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Very windy — wind protection essential for gardens. Low humidity. Cool nights even in summer at elevation. Sweet Potatoes cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Wyoming: Eastern Wyoming (4a, 4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 15 - Jun 1. This difference matters for sweet potatoes — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Grow from slips, not seeds. Start slips from a sweet potato in water 8 weeks before transplanting. Cure harvested tubers in warmth for 10 days.
Companion Planting
Plant sweet potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep sweet potatoes away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026