Growing Sweet Potatoes in Zone 3B

Sweet potatoes need heat and a long season but are incredibly productive and nutritious.

Zone 3B has a short growing season — start seeds indoors when possible and use season-extending techniques like cold frames and row covers.

Top Growing Tips

• Grow from slips (sprouts), not seed — order or start your own
• Needs 90-120 frost-free days with warm soil
• Black plastic mulch warms soil in cooler zones
• Harvest before first frost — cold damages tubers
• Cure at 80-85°F for 10 days for sweetest flavor and best storage

Companion Planting

Good companions: beans, corn, thyme

Avoid planting near: squash (compete for space)

Harvest Timeline

90-120 days from slips

About Zone 3B

USDA Hardiness Zone 3B has an average last spring frost around May 15 and first fall frost around Sep 15. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.