Planting seed potatoes correctly makes a big difference in yield, especially in climates like Colorado.
Start by choosing certified seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) available at nurseries and stores where gardening products are sold.
If they’re large, cut them into pieces with 1–2 “eyes” each, letting the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to prevent rot (this is called 'callousing').
Plant once soil temperatures reach about 45–50°F, typically a few weeks before your last frost. Now is a good time to plant because we're experiencing unusually warm daily temps and the soil is warmed up enough.
Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Set pieces 3–4 inches deep and 10–12 inches apart, with rows about 2–3 feet apart.
As plants grow, you can use the hilling method where you mound soil or mulch up around the green leafy stems when they reach 6–8 inches tall, leaving just the top leaves exposed. This encourages more tuber production and prevents potatoes from turning green in sunlight.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, and avoid too much nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth instead of potatoes. You can harvest small “new potatoes” a few weeks after flowering, or wait until the foliage dies back and turns yellow for full-sized potatoes.
Last year we recommended planting seed potatoes in a cardboard box (read how-to article here), and members who tried it reported good success! The boxes didn't fall apart and this method seemed to work well as long as the box is at least 12 inches deep.
If they’re large, cut them into pieces with 1–2 “eyes” each, letting the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to prevent rot (this is called 'callousing').
Plant once soil temperatures reach about 45–50°F, typically a few weeks before your last frost. Now is a good time to plant because we're experiencing unusually warm daily temps and the soil is warmed up enough.
Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Set pieces 3–4 inches deep and 10–12 inches apart, with rows about 2–3 feet apart.
As plants grow, you can use the hilling method where you mound soil or mulch up around the green leafy stems when they reach 6–8 inches tall, leaving just the top leaves exposed. This encourages more tuber production and prevents potatoes from turning green in sunlight.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, and avoid too much nitrogen, which can lead to leafy growth instead of potatoes. You can harvest small “new potatoes” a few weeks after flowering, or wait until the foliage dies back and turns yellow for full-sized potatoes.
Last year we recommended planting seed potatoes in a cardboard box (read how-to article here), and members who tried it reported good success! The boxes didn't fall apart and this method seemed to work well as long as the box is at least 12 inches deep.