Complete Potato Growing Guide

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. There's something magical about digging into soil and unearthing a treasure trove of fresh, flavorful potatoes that taste nothing like store-bought.

Choosing Potato Varieties

By Maturity Time

• Early (60-80 days): Red Norland, Yukon Gold, Irish Cobbler
• Mid-season (80-90 days): Kennebec, Red Pontiac, Gold Rush
• Late (90-110 days): Russet Burbank, Katahdin, German Butterball

By Use

• Baking: Russet Burbank, Kennebec
• Roasting: Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac
• Mashing: Yukon Gold, German Butterball
• Salads: Red Norland, Fingerlings

Preparing Seed Potatoes

Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes, not grocery store potatoes which may carry diseases or be treated to prevent sprouting.

Cutting and Curing

1. Cut large seed potatoes into pieces with 2-3 eyes each
2. Let cut pieces cure for 1-2 days until cut surfaces dry
3. Small potatoes (golf ball size) can be planted whole

Chitting (Pre-Sprouting)

For earlier harvests, place seed potatoes in a cool, bright location 2-4 weeks before planting. Short, sturdy sprouts will develop.

When to Plant

• Early potatoes: 2-4 weeks before last frost (can handle light frost)
• Main crop: Around last frost date
• Fall crop (zones 8-10): Late summer for winter harvest

Planting Methods

Traditional Trenching

1. Dig trenches 6 inches deep, 3 feet apart
2. Place seed potatoes 12 inches apart, eyes up
3. Cover with 3-4 inches of soil
4. Hill as plants grow

Container Growing

Use containers at least 16 inches deep. Add soil gradually as plants grow, just like hilling.

Straw Mulch Method

Place seed potatoes on soil surface and cover with 6-12 inches of straw. Add more straw as plants grow. Easy harvest—just pull back straw!

Hilling: The Key to Success

Hilling (mounding soil around plants) is crucial:

• Prevents potatoes from turning green (toxic!)
• Creates more space for tuber development
• Improves drainage

Hill when plants are 6-8 inches tall, leaving only top leaves exposed. Repeat 2-3 times during the season.

Growing Care

Watering

Consistent moisture is critical, especially during flowering when tubers form. Provide 1-2 inches weekly. Irregular watering causes knobby, cracked potatoes.

Fertilizing

Work compost into soil before planting. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer at first hilling. Avoid high nitrogen late in season—promotes foliage over tubers.

Harvesting Potatoes

New Potatoes

Harvest small "new" potatoes when plants flower—gently feel around plants without disturbing them.

Main Harvest

Harvest main crop 2-3 weeks after foliage dies back. Cure potatoes in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks before storage.

Storage

Store cured potatoes at 38-45°F in high humidity. Properly stored, potatoes last 4-6 months. Never store with apples—ethylene gas causes sprouting.