When to Start Growing Potatoes for a Bountiful Harvest

Growing potatoes can be an extremely rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels With just a little effort, you can produce mounds of delicious, nutritious potatoes. However, timing is critical when it comes to planting potatoes. This article will provide tips on determining the optimal time to plant your potatoes to ensure a successful crop.

Why Timing Matters

Potatoes require specific soil temperatures to sprout and grow properly. Planting too early when soils are still cold will delay sprouting and growth. Waiting too long when soils are already warm can reduce yields and quality as plants miss out on the cool moist conditions they prefer. Ideal soil temperature for planting potatoes is between 45-55°F.

Additionally, potatoes are sensitive to day length, requiring short days to tuberize or form potatoes. Planting at the right time allows foliage to develop before days start to lengthen, letting tubers bulk up during short day conditions.

Finally timing planting prevents exposure to late frosts which can damage sprouts and avoids heat and drought stress during the summer which can reduce yields.

So when is the magic time to plant for a bountiful potato harvest? Read on!

Determine Your Planting Dates

Planting dates vary across the country based on local climate and weather patterns. Here are some guidelines for different regions:

• Northern States: Early-mid April. After threat of hard frost is over.

• Midwest States: Mid April to early May. After danger of frost passes.

• Southern States: January-March. For winter crop.

• Pacific Northwest: March-April. Once soil reaches ideal temperature.

• Southwest: October-February. For winter crop.

Check your local frost dates and plant 2-4 weeks before your average last spring frost. Or better yet, use a soil thermometer to check if your soil has reached the ideal temperature range of 45-55°F.

Look for Visual Cues

In addition to frost dates, nature provides cues indicating planting time:

• Dandelions blooming: Old timers used dandelion blooms to signal potato planting time.

• Leafing out of trees: Plant when deciduous trees start leafing out as soils have warmed.

• Blooming lilacs: Another traditional sign soil is warm enough to plant potatoes.

Pay attention to these signs in your area to help fine tune optimal planting time.

Start Tubers Indoors

You can get a head start by pre-sprouting or “chitting” seed potatoes indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost.

• Choose healthy, certified disease-free tubers. Cut into pieces with multiple eyes.

• Allow cuts to dry out for 1-2 days.

• Place tuber pieces in egg cartons or trays. Keep moist, not wet.

• Move to a sunny location around 65°F.

• Shoots will sprout in a couple of weeks.

Plant sprouted tubers outdoors when soil reaches 45-55°F. The head start will translate into higher yields. Just be ready to protect sprouts from any late frosts.

Plant Successive Crops

Most potato varieties take 60-100 days to reach maturity. But you can enjoy fresh potatoes all season by planting successive crops every 2-3 weeks until 2 months before your first fall frost.

Use early seed varieties first, then mid-season and finally late varieties to maintain a continuous harvest. Just be sure to note days to maturity for each variety when planning out your planting timeline.

Mind the Gaps

Some tips for a continuous potato crop:

• Harvest new potatoes when they reach golf ball size, allowing space for remaining tubers to continue bulking up.

• As you dig mature potatoes, re-fill the gaps with a fresh crop of fast-maturing cut up seed potatoes.

• Interplant fast-growing lettuce, radish or other greens alongside slower growing potato crops.

With good planning, you can enjoy fresh potatoes throughout the season.

Fall Planting

In mild winter climates (zones 8-11), you can plant a fall/winter crop for harvesting in spring.

Aim for 4-6 weeks before first expected fall frost. Use late or long season varieties. Hill soil over sprouts before hard frosts to protect them over winter. Mulch around plants for extra insulation if needed.

Potatoes will stop growing once cold weather sets in. But as soil warms in spring, plants will resume growth for an early spring harvest.

Key Tips for Planting Potatoes

Follow these tips when planting your potatoes:

• Prepare soil in advance by mixing in compost or other organic matter. Potatoes thrive in loose, well-drained, fertile soil.

• Wait for soil to dry out and be workable before planting. Avoid planting in cold, muddy conditions.

• Space potatoes 12-18 inches apart in all directions. Give potato plants room to grow.

• Plant seed pieces 4-6 inches deep with the eye or sprout facing up.

• Cover sprouts with 3-4 inches of soil. Add more soil around base as plants grow.

• Water immediately after planting and maintain even moisture. Potatoes require consistent moisture for best growth and yield.

Follow these guidelines, choose a recommended variety for your region, and with proper care you’ll be harvesting piles of potatoes this season.

Warning Signs You Planted Too Early

While it’s exciting to get potatoes in the ground as soon as possible, planting too early can backfire. Watch for these indicators that soil is still too cold:

• Potato sprouts turn purple or appear stunted.

• Young plants are slow to emerge more than 2-3 weeks after planting.

• Leaves turn pale green or yellow signaling nutrient deficiencies in cold soil.

If this happens, be patient and wait for soils to warm up more before planting any remaining seed potatoes. Protect existing sprouts from any late frosts.

Consequences of Planting Too Late

While planting too early is usually obvious, planting late can be trickier to detect. But it can still reduce yields and quality. Signs you may have waited too long include:

• Rapid, excessive foliage growth at the expense of tuber production.

• Poor tuber development in hot soils. Potatoes thrive in cooler 60-70°F temperatures.

• Exposure to heat and drought stress during tuber bulking.

• Increased pressure from potato pests that thrive in warmer temperatures.

Adjust next year’s planting time earlier to avoid late crop issues.

Be Prepared for Problems

Even if planted at the perfect time, potatoes can still encounter issues that hamper growth and yields. Be prepared to troubleshoot common problems:

• Frost damage – Cover plants and hill soil over sprouts if frost threatens.

• Poor emergence – If potatoes fail to sprout, gently dig around seed pieces to check viability. Replant with new seed stock if necessary.

• Drought stress – Employ consistent, deep watering based on soil moisture levels. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture.

• Insect pests – Handpick larger pests. Use row covers to prevent insect access. Target small insects with insecticidal soap sprays as needed.

With proper timing and care throughout the growing season, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about when to plant potatoes:

Can I plant potatoes from the grocery store?

It’s best to start with certified disease-free seed potatoes. Grocery potatoes may not sprout well or harbor diseases.

When should I harvest new potatoes?

You can start harvesting new potatoes once tubers reach the size of golf balls, around 60 days after planting. This allows remaining tubers to reach full size.

What if I want to plant in late spring?

You can still plant potatoes in late spring up to 2 months before your first fall frost. Just switch to faster maturing early or mid-season varieties. Yields may be lower depending on variety and time left in the growing season.

How do I know exactly when my soil has reached the ideal temperature for planting?

Use a soil thermometer! Take readings around 4 inches deep in several areas. Plant when soil consistently reads 45-55°F or above. This takes the guesswork out of determining soil temperature.

Can I plant my entire crop at one time?

It’s better to space out plantings every 2-3 weeks until 2 months before frost. This ensures a steady supply of potatoes versus everything maturing at once. Use early varieties first, then mid and late season.

Conclusion

Determining optimal planting time is an important first step for a successful potato harvest. While seemingly simple, paying close attention to soil temperature, frost dates, and visual cues can make all the difference. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently plant your crop at just the right time to yield mounds of potatoes this growing season.