In high altitude locations, potatoes are typically planted two weeks before last average frost date.
It's time to get your potatoes in the ground! The ideal soil temperature for planting potatoes is 55 degrees F during the day (45 degrees F a night).
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant potato sets (or seed pieces) 5 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows that are at least 2 feet apart.
- Pre-sprouting: You can pre-sprout potatoes (place in a warm, dimly lit area for 2-3 weeks) to increase yields.
- Seed Potato Quality: Use certified seed potatoes to prevent disease spread. Do not use grocery store potatoes, as they are typically treated to prevent sprouting.
- Soil Preparation: Potatoes prefer deep, rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5-6). Add compost, peat moss, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility.
- Soil Condition: If soil is excessively wet or cold, delay planting until it has dried out and warmed up.
- Mulching: Consider using mulch to help retain moisture and prevent soil from cooling down too quickly.
- Container Gardening: If space is limited, consider using fabric potato grow bags even a box (see our post on how-do do this here).
- Hilling: As the plants grow, consider hilling the soil around the base of the plants to encourage more tuber formation and make harvesting easier.
What is a 'seed' potato? Gardeners often grow potatoes from 'seed' potatoes (tubers) and not seeds. If you sit a regular potato in a cool, dark spot you'll eventually get sprouts that will pop up around the potato. Each section with a sprout can be cut into a 'seed potato' and planted. - courtesy The Spruce. Read their full article on how to plant potatoes here.