Planting potatoes is a fun and rewarding gardening experience. With some simple preparation and care, you can grow a bountiful crop of delicious potatoes right in your own backyard. One of the most important factors in successfully growing potatoes is knowing how deep to plant the potato seed pieces underground. Proper planting depth helps ensure the developing potato tubers have the ideal conditions to form and mature. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how deep to plant your potatoes for the best harvest.
Why Planting Depth Matters
Potatoes form underground from modified stems called stolons that grow off of the planted seed potato piece. The stolons swell and transform into the edible tubers we know as potatoes. For this process to happen properly the seed potato pieces must be planted deep enough to be protected from sunlight but shallow enough to allow the plant foliage to emerge above ground.
If potatoes are planted too shallow, sunlight will hit the developing tubers and cause them to turn green. Green potatoes contain higher levels of toxins like solanine and chaconine that can cause illness if consumed. Planting too deep can impede the plant foliage from reaching the surface. Without leaves above ground, the potato plant cannot perform photosynthesis to fuel growth below ground. Finding the right balance for how deep to plant potatoes gives the tubers the ideal conditions to size up into a plentiful harvest.
Recommended Planting Depth for Potatoes
Most gardeners recommend planting seed potatoes about 4 inches deep in the soil. At this depth, the potatoes will be covered from sunlight but the sprouting eyes should have no problem pushing up through 4 inches of soil. Some people may plant a little shallower, around 2-3 inches deep, especially when planting smaller, early potato varieties. Larger, main crop potatoes can be planted slightly deeper, around 5-6 inches. No matter the variety, a depth of around 4 inches is a safe standard planting depth for potato tuber development.
When planting, dig a trench or holes for the seed potatoes. Place the pieces in with the eyes/sprouts pointed upward. Cover with 2-4 inches of soil initially. As the plants begin to grow, mound more soil around the base of the stems, keeping the lower leaves just above ground. This hilling process further protects the underground tubers from light and provides more space for stolons to expand into potatoes. Stop hilling once plants start flowering.
Adjusting Depth for Growing Conditions
While 4 inches is the generally recommended potato planting depth, you may need to adjust slightly based on your growing conditions. Here are some factors to consider:
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Soil Temperature: In colder soils early in spring, plant closer to 5-6 inches deep. The extra depth helps insulate the seed pieces and promotes faster sprouting. In warmer soils, planting at 2-3 inches is fine.
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Soil Drainage: In heavy clay or compacted soils with poor drainage, plant shallower at around 3 inches depth. This prevents tubers from rotting in wet conditions.
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Potato Variety: As mentioned, plant smaller, early potato varieties like new potatoes a little more shallow. Bigger, main crop potatoes can handle slightly deeper planting.
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Growing Method: When growing potatoes in containers, avoid planting deeper than 4-5 inches maximum since pots have less overall soil depth.
Pay attention to your specific growing conditions and adjust depth accordingly for best results.
Preparing Seed Potatoes for Planting
To get your seed potatoes ready for planting at the proper depth, start by selecting certified disease-free tubers. Purchase seed potatoes from a garden center or seed catalog about 2-3 weeks before your expected last spring frost. For home gardeners, choose smaller, golf ball sized potatoes for whole seed pieces. Cut larger tubers into chunks, making sure each piece has at least 2 eyes/sprouts.
Before planting, “cure” or suberize cut seed for 1-2 weeks indoors so cut surfaces seal over and don’t rot. Store seed tubers in a bright, 60-70°F spot to encourage sprout development. Sprouting eyes makes it easier to discern the optimal underground orientation when planting.
When ready to plant, select a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden. Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in compost if needed to improve nutrient levels. Dig trenches or holes 4-6 inches deep depending on conditions. Place cured seed potatoes eye/sprout-side up at the proper depth per your soil type and growing needs. Cover initially with 2-4 inches of soil.
Caring for Potatoes Through the Season
Here are some tips for caring for your potatoes throughout the growing season to enjoy a bountiful harvest:
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Water potatoes about 1 inch per week. Irrigate deeply and avoid waterlogging.
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Fertilize potatoes by working compost or kelp into soil before planting. Side dress growing plants with additional organic fertilizer.
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Hill soil around stems as plants grow, keeping lower leaves just above ground. Stop hilling once flowers appear.
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Control weeds and pests like potato beetles that can damage plants and reduce yields.
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Harvest potatoes 2-3 weeks after vines start dying back. Store cure freshly dug potatoes before long term storage.
Achieving a Bountiful Harvest
There’s nothing quite like digging up homegrown potatoes! With proper planting depth, seed preparation, and care throughout the season, you can enjoy prolific harvests. Adjusting planting depth based on soil type, variety, and growing conditions will give your crop the best start. Hilling and fertilizing provides room for tubers to size up. Then you can reap bountiful yields of delicious, nutritious potatoes. Prep your seed potatoes now and get ready to plant as soon as spring soil is ready for your ideal, wholesome homegrown crop.
How Deep to Plant Potatoes
FAQ
What month do you plant potatoes?
- Timing: Aim to plant potatoes about 2-4 weeks before the average last frost date, which is typically in late March or early April for Los Angeles.
- Soil Temperature: Ensure the soil temperature is at least 45-55°F (7-13°C) for optimal growth.
- Seed Potatoes: Use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable source.
- Planting Depth: Plant seed potatoes 3-4 inches deep and 9-12 inches apart.
- Sunlight: Potatoes need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil: Potatoes prefer well-drained, loose soil.
- Harvest: You can expect to harvest potatoes in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety.
What is the best depth to plant potatoes?
Spacing Requirements
Tubers should be planted at a depth of 6-8 inches and between 1 and 2 feet apart.
Do you water potatoes right after planting?
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After planting, but not before:Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as seed potatoes can rot in cold, wet soil.
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Once plants emerge:Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber formation.
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Avoid overwatering:Too much water, especially early on, can lead to misshapen tubers or rot.
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Watering frequency:Water every 4-5 days, adjusting as the plants grow, and consider soil type and climate.
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Water in the morning:This allows the plants to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.
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Reduce watering as plants mature:As the leaves turn yellow and begin to die, you can reduce watering and eventually stop completely before harvest.
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Monitor soil moisture:Use your finger to check the soil’s moisture level; it should feel moist, not soggy.
When planting potatoes, do you bury the eyes?
Plant seed potato segments cut-side down (eyes up) in a 6-inch-deep hole or trench. Space each segment 12-inches apart on all sides.
How deep should potatoes be planted?
The planting depth of potatoes starts at 4 inches (10 cm.) deep and then as the potato plants grow, you gradually create a hill around the plants with loosely hoed soil up to the base of the plant. Hilling prevents the production of solanine, which is a toxin that potatoes produce when exposed to the sun and turns potatoes green and bitter.
How do you plant potatoes in a hill?
A common method when planting potatoes is to plant in a hill. For this method, dig a shallow trench about 4 inches (10 cm.) deep, and then place the seed spuds eyes up (cut side down) 8-12 inches (20.5 to 30.5 cm.) apart. Trenches should be between 2-3 feet (0.5 to 1 m.) apart and then covered with soil.
How deep should a potato garden bed be?
Prepping the garden bed is equally important as the potato planting depth. Potatoes do best in rows. Depending on the number of plants, make sure there is enough spacing for at least 12 to 15 inches between each plant. Dig the trenches so that they are six to eight inches deep.
How do you grow potatoes in a garden?
Potatoes grow best in loose, fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Space seed potatoes 12-16 inches apart in rows or hills. Plant pieces 2-4 inches deep with the eyes facing up. As plants emerge, gradually mound soil against stems, keeping just the top leaves exposed. Pick an appropriate time for planting in your climate.
How do you plant potatoes in a trench?
Trenching is the most efficient way to plant large amounts of potatoes, but it does require more labor upfront. Plant seed potato sprout-side-up in a planting hole or trench 6 to 8 inches deep and cover with 4 inches of soil. Dig a 12” deep trench. Save soil in small piles near the trench. Place one potato every 12” along the bottom of the trench.
How deep should potatoes be buried?
The ideal depth for planting potatoes is about 4 to 6 inches. This depth provides enough room for the tubers to grow while ensuring that the seed potatoes are buried deep enough to inhibit exposure to light. Exposure to sunlight can cause the potatoes to turn green and produce toxins, making them unsafe to eat.