GARDENING FACT SHEET:
Click to View Printable PDF file: “Growing Potatoes”
If you have ever tasted new potatoes fresh from the garden, they you know why they are one of the most planted vegetables in the home garden.
When to Plant Potatoes
- Potatoes can be planted in spring as soon as the soil temperature has reached 45 degrees F.
- They will not take a hard frost or freeze so be prepared to provide protection for them if necessary.
Preparing your Seed Potatoes and the Soil
- Prior to planting, cut your seed potatoes so that each piece has only 1 or 2 ‘eyes’ or buds.
- Each eye will sprout, so avoid planting potatoes with several eyes in the same hole: they will compete with each other for nutrients and water, resulting in a reduced yield and smaller potatoes.
- Prior to planting, work a slow-release fertilizer into the soil and reapply monthly.
Planting and Fertilizing Potatoes
- Planting potatoes in the ground – In a bed, dig a trench about 8 inches deep and plant your potatoes cut side down, about 12 inches apart. Cover with 3 inches or soil.
- Planting potatoes in containers – If planting in containers, fill your container halfway with soil, then place your tubers on top of the soil, cut side down. Cover your tubers with about 3-4 inches of soil.
How and Why to “Hill” Potatoes as They Grow
The potatoes grow on stems above the seed potato, and if exposed to sunlight the potatoes will turn green which can be toxic if eaten. In order to keep them covered, you will have to ‘hill’ them.
- When your potato vines are about 8-10 inches tall, cover the plant with more soil, straw, or hay, leaving only the top 4 inches exposed.
- Repeat the process when the plant has grown another 8 inches. Continue to hill until the vines start to flower.
How to Harvest Potatoes
- After about 7-8 weeks, you can dig in to the soil and harvest some of the small, new potatoes, leaving the rest to continue growing.
- Stop watering once the vines have finished flowering.
- When the vines have died back, the potatoes are ready to harvest. Under ideal conditions, you can expect to harvest 5-10 pounds per plant, depending on variety.
- If growing the potatoes for storage, you can leave the potatoes in the ground until ready to use, or a freeze is predicted.
Storing Potatoes
- After harvesting, place your potatoes in a well-ventilated, warm, dark area to dry for about a week.
- Do not wash your potatoes! Once dried, lightly brush any dirt off and store in a cool (38-45 degrees) area, such as a basement or root cellar.
Click to View Printable PDF file: “Growing Potatoes”
