When to Plant Potatoes in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Mar 9 – Mar 23 in Philadelphia to Apr 24 – May 8 in Hermitage. In Philadelphia, it's Mar 9 – Mar 23. The average last spring frost differs by about 7 weeks across the state (Mar 30 in Philadelphia, May 15 in Hermitage), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Plant seed potatoes a few weeks before the last frost; cover any shoots if a late frost threatens.
- Plant outside: 1–3 weeks before the last frost.
Potatoes planting dates in Pennsylvania by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown | 7a | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Altoona | 6b | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Baldwin | 6b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Bethel Park | 6b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Carlisle | 7a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Chambersburg | 7a | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Chester | 7b | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Easton | 7a | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Erie | 7a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Franklin Park | 6b | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Greensburg | 6b | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Hanover | 7a | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Harrisburg | 7a | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Hazleton | 6b | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Hermitage | 6a | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Indiana | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Johnstown | 6b | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Lancaster | 7a | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Lansdale | 7a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Lebanon | 7a | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| McKeesport | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Monroeville | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Murrysville | 6b | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| New Castle | 6a | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Norristown | 7a | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Philadelphia | 7b | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Phoenixville | 7a | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Plum | 6b | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Pottstown | 7a | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Reading | 7a | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Scranton | 6b | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| State College | 6b | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| West Chester | 7a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| West Mifflin | 6b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Whitehall | 6b | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Wilkes-Barre | 7a | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Williamsport | 6b | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| York | 7a | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Pennsylvania, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
Getting beds ready? Work out how much raised bed soil, compost or mulch you need with our sister site, Yard Coverage.