When to plant potatoes in New York, New York
February 16 – March 2
Direct-sow outdoors · typical New York yearClimate basis: NOAA station New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY (USW00094728), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown New York (ZCTA 10007 centroid), elevation 130 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Plant seed potatoes from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 9.
The New York year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 9
Every method, with its sources
Direct-sow outdoors
Feb 16 – Mar 2Purdue: hardy — plant seed pieces 4–6 weeks before the last spring frost. Minnesota adds the practical caveat: plant as soon as the soil warms. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 30). Purdue University Extension · University of Minnesota Extension
Start seeds indoors
Not calculatedPotatoes are grown from seed pieces, not indoor-started seedlings.
Transplant outdoors
Not calculatedThe cited extension guides do not time an outdoor transplanting window for this crop.
Fall planting
Not calculatedNo source-backed fall planting rule exists for this crop in the registry, so no fall window is calculated.
Variety assumption: Assumes a mid-season variety (about 90–110 days from planting).
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (2)
- Purdue University Extension: Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W) (accessed 2026-07-24)Hardiness classes: hardy = plant 4-6 wk before last spring frost; semi-hardy = 2-4 wk before; tender = after average last frost; very tender = at least 2 wk after. Table 2: fall planting at least 4-8 wk before first fall frost.
- University of Minnesota Extension: Growing potatoes (accessed 2026-07-24)"Plant seed pieces as soon as the soil warms" — soil-temperature caveat to the frost-relative rule.