Planting potatoes is easier than you think—and incredibly rewarding. With the right soil, timing, and care, you can grow a hearty crop of homegrown spuds in your backyard or garden bed. This guide walks you through every step to ensure a successful and abundant potato harvest.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right potato variety: Select seed potatoes suited to your climate and intended use—like russets for baking or reds for boiling.
- Prepare the soil properly: Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8–6.5) with plenty of organic matter.
- Plant at the right time: Plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before the last frost date when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C).
- Cut and cure seed potatoes: Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces with at least one or two eyes each, and let them dry for 1–2 days before planting.
- Hilling is essential: Regularly mound soil around the stems to protect developing tubers from sunlight and encourage more growth.
- Water consistently: Keep the soil evenly moist—about 1–2 inches per week—especially during tuber formation.
- Harvest at the right time: Dig up new potatoes 2–3 weeks after flowering, or wait until foliage dies back for mature potatoes.
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Why Growing Your Own Potatoes Is Worth It
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling fresh potatoes from the earth—especially when you’ve grown them yourself. Not only do homegrown potatoes taste better, but they’re also free from the pesticides and preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. Plus, they’re one of the easiest and most productive crops to grow, even in small spaces.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, learning how to plant potatoes is a smart move. With minimal effort and a little know-how, you can harvest pounds of nutritious, versatile tubers right from your backyard. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted wedges, the possibilities are endless—and all start with a simple seed potato in the ground.
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties
Not all potatoes are created equal. Different varieties are bred for specific climates, growing seasons, and culinary uses. When selecting seed potatoes, consider what you’ll be cooking most often.
Types of Potatoes to Consider
- Early-season varieties (e.g., ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Norland’): Ready to harvest in 70–90 days. Great for new potatoes and spring planting.
- Mid-season varieties (e.g., ‘Kennebec’, ‘Purple Viking’): Mature in 90–110 days. Offer a balance of flavor and storage life.
- Late-season varieties (e.g., ‘Russet Burbank’, ‘Katahdin’): Take 120+ days to mature. Ideal for long-term storage and baking.
Always buy certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. Avoid using grocery store potatoes—they’re often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Potatoes are heavy feeders and need loose, fertile soil to develop properly. Compacted or clay-heavy soil can lead to misshapen tubers and poor yields.
Soil Requirements
Start by testing your soil’s pH. Potatoes prefer slightly acidic conditions, ideally between 5.8 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, amend it with elemental sulfur or composted pine needles. Avoid fresh manure, which can promote scab disease.
Improving Soil Structure
Work in 2–4 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure before planting. This boosts nutrients and improves drainage. Raised beds or grow bags are excellent options if your native soil is poor. Just make sure the container is at least 12–15 inches deep and filled with a loose, loamy mix.
Sunlight and Spacing
Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Potatoes need full sun to produce well. Avoid planting near tall plants that might shade them.
When and How to Plant Potatoes
Timing is everything when it comes to planting potatoes. Too early, and frost can damage emerging shoots. Too late, and the heat of summer can stress the plants.
Planting Time
Plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. Soil temperature should be at least 45°F (7°C). In most temperate zones, this means planting in early to mid-spring. Use a soil thermometer to check.
Preparing Seed Potatoes
About 1–2 days before planting, cut larger seed potatoes into chunks. Each piece should be about the size of an egg and contain at least one or two “eyes” (the sprouts). Let the cut pieces dry in a cool, dark place to form a callus—this helps prevent rot in the ground.
Planting Method
Dig trenches 4–6 inches deep and 12–15 inches apart. Space seed pieces 10–12 inches apart within the row. Place each piece with the eyes facing up. Cover with 3–4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll gradually add more soil in a process called “hilling.”
Alternative Planting Methods
If you’re short on space, try growing potatoes in straw, mulch, or grow bags. For straw planting, lay seed potatoes on the soil surface and cover with 8–12 inches of straw. Keep adding straw as the plants grow. This method reduces digging and helps prevent soil compaction.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Once your potatoes are in the ground, consistent care ensures strong growth and a big harvest.
Watering
Potatoes need consistent moisture—about 1–2 inches of water per week. Irregular watering can cause cracked or knobby potatoes. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk.
Hilling the Plants
Hilling is one of the most important steps in growing potatoes. When seedlings reach 6–8 inches tall, gently mound soil around the base, covering about two-thirds of the plant. Repeat every 2–3 weeks until the hills are 6–8 inches high. This protects tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potato formation along the buried stems.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) at planting time. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of tubers. Side-dress with compost or a light application of fertilizer once the plants begin to flower.
Weed and Pest Control
Keep the area weed-free, especially early in the season. Weeds compete for nutrients and water. Hand-pull or lightly cultivate, being careful not to damage shallow roots.
Watch for common pests like Colorado potato beetles. Remove them by hand or use organic treatments like neem oil or diatomaceous earth. Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting and Storing Potatoes
Knowing when to harvest is key to enjoying the best flavor and texture.
New Potatoes
For tender new potatoes, start harvesting 2–3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. Gently dig around the base with your hands or a small trowel to avoid damaging nearby tubers. These are best eaten fresh and don’t store well.
Mature Potatoes
For full-sized potatoes, wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back—usually 90–120 days after planting. Stop watering about a week before harvest to let the skins toughen up. Use a garden fork to carefully lift the entire plant, shaking off excess soil.
Curing and Storing
After harvesting, let potatoes cure in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for 1–2 weeks. This helps heal any minor cuts and extends storage life. Store cured potatoes in a dark, cool (35–40°F), and humid environment—like a root cellar or garage. Avoid refrigeration, which can convert starches to sugars and alter flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make errors when growing potatoes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Planting grocery store potatoes: They’re not treated for disease and may not sprout reliably.
- Skipping hilling: This leads to green, inedible potatoes and reduced yields.
- Overwatering or underwatering: Both can cause misshapen or rotting tubers.
- Planting too early: Cold, wet soil increases the risk of rot.
- Ignoring crop rotation: Planting potatoes in the same spot yearly invites pests and disease.
Conclusion
Growing your own potatoes is a rewarding, straightforward process that delivers delicious results. By choosing the right variety, preparing the soil, planting at the correct time, and providing consistent care—especially hilling and watering—you’ll set yourself up for a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re growing in a backyard plot, raised bed, or container, potatoes are a versatile and satisfying crop.
With a little patience and attention, you’ll be enjoying homegrown potatoes in soups, stews, roasts, and more. So grab your seed potatoes, roll up your sleeves, and get planting—your future self will thank you at dinner time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant potatoes in the same spot every year?
No, it’s best to rotate potato crops every 2–3 years. Planting in the same location increases the risk of soil-borne diseases like scab and pests like potato beetles.
How deep should I plant seed potatoes?
Plant seed potatoes 4–6 inches deep, with the eyes facing up. Cover with 3–4 inches of soil initially, then hill more soil as the plants grow.
Can I grow potatoes in containers?
Yes! Use a container at least 12–15 inches deep, such as a grow bag or large pot. Fill with loose, fertile soil and ensure good drainage.
Why are my potato skins green?
Green potatoes result from exposure to sunlight. This produces solanine, a toxic compound. Always hill soil around stems to keep tubers covered.
How do I know when my potatoes are ready to harvest?
New potatoes can be harvested 2–3 weeks after flowering. For mature potatoes, wait until the foliage dies back completely, usually 90–120 days after planting.
Do I need to fertilize potato plants?
Yes, but use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) at planting and again when flowering begins. Too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth instead of tubers.