When to plant potatoes in Omak and Okanogan, WA

Plant seed potatoes in Omak and Okanogan Apr 15 – May 27.

Easy Plant seed potatoes

Why these dates

Omak and Okanogan's typical last spring frost is April 30. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

Difficulty: Easy
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart
Planting depth: 4 inches deep in a trench
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 95 days after planting

Step by step

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seed potatoes Apr 15 – May 27, 4 inches deep in a trench, 12 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart. Cut large ones into pieces with at least two eyes each.
As plants grow, pile soil or straw around the stems so the potatoes stay covered.
Harvest: Dig new potatoes when the plants flower. For storage potatoes, wait two weeks after the tops die back.

Varieties that do well here

Yukon Gold
German Butterball
Red Norland

Watch out for

Wireworms in beds that were recently lawn. Grow potatoes in an established bed if you can.

Use certified seed potatoes. Hill soil around stems as they grow.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Omak and Okanogan, WA?

Typically April 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Omak Airport.

Is it too late to plant potatoes in Omak and Okanogan?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can harvest potatoes?

About 95 days after planting. Dig new potatoes when the plants flower. For storage potatoes, wait two weeks after the tops die back.

Also plant in Omak and Okanogan around the same time

Planting dates for potatoes in nearby areas

Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – May 27
Spokane, WA Apr 15 – May 27

Full planting calendar for Omak and Okanogan · Potatoes in every city