Tips For Growing Potatoes

Guide To Potatoes:

• Potatoes are generous plants and there are several varieties based on when you harvest. The underground “tuber” is the edible part of the potato; the tuber grows from underground stems (once the plants are 7-8 inches tall). Give them the following and they will accept almost any planting situation: full sun, loose soil, 1″- 2″ of water per week.
• Timing – The potato is a cool-weather vegetable that yields larger crops in the northern half of the United States (but can certainly be grown in warmer regions if done at the right time of year). In warmer regions, potatoes can be planted from September to February; in cooler, northern regions, potatoes are normally planted in mid-April.
• Conditions – The best time to plant potatoes is in the spring – 2-4 weeks before the last frost. The ideal soil temperatures for potato-growing are 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Let your soil dry out first – the soil should not be wet to the point that it is sticking together.
• ‘Chitting’ – Planting potatoes are called ‘ seed potatoes’. ‘Seed potatoes’ are sold in bags or netting to keep consolidated. Start with organic, certified disease-free seed potatoes. Use the process of “chitting” – lay the seed potatoes on a tray or towel and place them in sunlight (i.e. an indoor windowsill). Placing them in a frost-free, bright area will prepare the potatoes from sprouting and rooting. The ‘chitting’ process results in stocky, green sprouts (long, pale sprouts are not desirable).
• Yield – If you would like to increase your yield of potatoes, consider cutting the seed potatoes in half if the potatoes have enough “eyes” (small dimples where the sprouts emerge from). The potatoes can be cut into 1-2 inch pieces (similar to the size of a golf ball). Let the cut potatoes sit for 2 days after cutting and before planting.
• Prepare Your Planting Area – Spread compost across the planting surface to a depth of 1 inch.
• Decide How You Want to Plant Your Potatoes:
  • Pots: Fill the bottom of the pot (or sack) with 4 inches of potting soil and lay 1-2 potatoes on top and cover with more soil. Once the foliage is growing, add in more potting mix a small amount at a time until the soil level reaches the top.
  • V-Shaped Trenches: Dig 2 – 2.5 Foot holes. Lay compost at the bottom of the trenches and set the tubers into position (each about 1 foot apart). Fill the trenches back in.
  • Holes: Each seed potato requires a 6 inch deep hole. Add organic fertilizer to the hole and place each potato in its hole with sprouts pointing up and cover with soil. The potatoes should be separated by 16 inches in both directions.
  • Straw: Place seed potatoes down into the soil and under the surface. Cover then with straw.
• Watering – Water the potatoes 1-2 inches each week. Maintain even moisture throughout the planting process. An incorrect amount of watering (too much or not enough) can result in the oddly-shaped potatoes. Stop watering once the foliage turns yellow and dies.
• Hilling – Darkness and depth are essential in growing potatoes. As the plant begins growing above the surface, add (“hill up”) soil and compost levels around the plant so only the top leaves are above the surface. The spuds of the potatoes should not see sunlight – this can cause the potatoes to turn green. Hilling is best done in the morning.
• Frost – If frost is in the forecast, do your best to protect the potatoes. Some techniques include covering the planted area with warm fleece or row covers, hill up even more soil, or cover planted areas with pots. If planted in cooler areas, potatoes may sprout berries off their vines – the berries are poisonous and should not be eaten.
• Harvesting – It is best to harvest potatoes on dry days – dig them up gently and do not puncture their tubers. The time of harvest depends on the variety of potato planted – early, mid and late-season potatoes should be harvested in that order. The soil should not be compacted so if there is a frost, it is best to start digging for the potatoes. Spuds can be dug up once the foliage is dying towards the end of the growing season.  Consider using a fork and working in from the edge of the plant – avoid stabbing into the potatoes. Once the plant is loosened, lift them up to expose the spuds. Let potatoes sit on the soil surface for 2 hours for the skin to dry (do not leave them for long or they will turn green).