Growing potatoes is always exciting as they are almost the first thing we plant in soil outdoors. Especially, after a long Midwest winter, planting something gives you a lot of happiness and joy. Additionally, growing potatoes does not require much care and work! They are relatively easy to grow yet provide much joy.
Potatoes
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are versatile and easy-to-grow starchy tuberous vegetables that are a staple in many households worldwide. Rich in carbohydrates, potassium, and fiber, potatoes are a valuable addition to any garden. With proper care and attention, you can grow a bountiful harvest right in your backyard.
Potatoes are generally considered a cool-season crop, and they thrive in cooler climates. They prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) for optimal growth. However, they can be grown in a range of climates, from cool to warm, with some adjustments to planting times.
Types of Potatoes
Potatoes come in various types and varieties, each suited to different growing seasons. Early season, mid-season, and late-season potatoes refer to the different maturity periods of potato varieties. These classifications are based on the time it takes for the potato plants to grow and produce mature tubers. The classifications help gardeners and farmers plan their planting schedules and harvest times. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Early Season Potatoes:
- Maturity Period: 70-90 days from planting.
- Characteristics: Early season potatoes have a short growing period, allowing for an early harvest. They are often smaller in size and have a tender skin. These potatoes are great for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh, “new” potatoes early in the growing season.
- Varieties: Yukon Gold, Red Norland, and Russian Banana
Mid Season Potatoes:
- Maturity Period: 90-110 days from planting.
- Characteristics: Mid-season potatoes take a bit longer to mature compared to early varieties. They generally produce larger tubers and are suitable for both fresh consumption and storage. These varieties provide a good compromise between early and late-season potatoes.
- Varieities: Kennebec, ‘Red Pontiac, and Purple Majesty
Late Season Potatoes:
- Maturity Period: 120 days or more from planting.
- Characteristics: Late-season potatoes have an extended growing period, resulting in larger tubers suitable for long-term storage. These varieties are often preferred by those looking to store potatoes through the winter months. Late-season potatoes are typically harvested after the foliage has started to yellow and die back.
- Varieties: Russet Burbank, German Butterball, and King Edward
Selecting a mix of early, mid-season, and late-season varieties can provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. It’s important to consider your local climate and the length of your growing season when choosing which types of potatoes to plant. Additionally, keep in mind the intended use of the potatoes—whether you want early, fresh potatoes or varieties suitable for long-term storage.
How to Get Seed Potatoes
A potato that is specifically grown and selected for the purpose of planting to produce a new crop of potatoes is called a “Seed Potato.”
Purchase certified seed potatoes from local garden centers, nurseries, reputable online suppliers. Choose firm, disease-free potatoes with well-developed eyes. Avoid those with cuts, bruises, or signs of decay, as these can introduce pathogens to your garden.
When to Plant Potatoes
Potatoes thrive in cool weather, so the ideal time to plant them depends on your local climate. Generally, plant early-season potatoes 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost. This ensures that the soil has warmed sufficiently for optimal tuber development. In cooler climates, use protective measures like row covers to shield young plants from late spring frosts. Plant mid to late-season potatoes after the danger of frost has passed.
How to Plant Potatoes
Follow these steps for successful potato planting:
- Prepare the soil: potatoes prefer well-drained, loose, sandy and slightly acidic soil.
- Cut seed potato: Cut larger seed potatoes into sections, ensuring that each section has at least two eyes where shoots come out. Smaller seed potatoes can be planted whole.
- Planting depth: Plant potatoes about 4-6 inches deep, spacing them 12-15 inches apart in rows.
- Placing: Position the potatoes with the eyes facing upward, allowing the new shoots to emerge.
There are several methods to plant potatoes. You can plant them in plant bed or containers/pots. Growing them in growing bags are one of the popular methods. Also, you can also place seed potatoes on the soil surface and cover with a thick layer of straw.
How to Care for Potato Plants
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent rot. Water deeply during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer with higher potassium content to support tuber development. Apply fertilizer at planting and during the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote lush foliage at the expense of tuber development.
- Hilling or Earthing up: As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around them to promote tuber formation. See next for details.
What is Hilling, Mounding or Earthing Up Potatoes?
“Hilling,” “Mounding” or “Earthing up” potatoes refers to the practice of creating mounds or hills of soil around the base of potato plants as they grow. This process serves several important purposes in potato cultivation, contributing to a healthier and more productive crop.
Why?
- Tuber Protection: One of the primary reasons for earthing up is to protect developing tubers from exposure to sunlight. If potato tubers are exposed to light, they can produce a green pigment called solanine, which is toxic and can make the potatoes bitter and potentially harmful if consumed in large quantities. Earthing up ensures that the developing tubers remain covered and protected.
- Weed Control: Mounding soil around the potato plants helps to suppress weeds. Weeds can compete with potato plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. By creating hills, you bury the base of the plants and reduce the likelihood of weed growth around the potatoes.
- Stem Support: Earthing up provides additional support to the potato stems. This is particularly beneficial in regions with strong winds, as it helps prevent the plants from falling over and breaking.
- Improved Drainage: Hilled rows facilitate better drainage around the potato plants. Excess moisture around the roots can lead to rot and other diseases, so maintaining good drainage is essential for overall plant health.
How?
- Timing: Start earthing up when the potato plants are about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall.
- Use a Hoe or Shovel: Gently hoe or shovel soil from between the rows up around the base of the plants, creating mounds. The soil can be taken from the pathways between the rows.
- Create Mounds: Build the mounds so that they cover the lower part of the stems and the emerging lower leaves. Leave the top leaves exposed.
- Repeat as Needed: Earthing up is typically done several times during the growing season. Repeat the process every 2-3 weeks as the plants continue to grow. Stop earthing up when the plants begin to flower.
- Mulch Option: Some gardeners also use organic mulch, such as straw or hay, for earthing up. This provides additional insulation, suppresses weeds, and conserves moisture.
Remember that while earthing up is a common practice, it’s important not to bury the entire plant. Leave the upper foliage exposed to sunlight for photosynthesis. Proper earthing up, combined with other good cultural practices, contributes to a successful potato harvest.
When and How to Harvest Potatoes
Harvest times vary depending on the variety. Harvesting can begin once the plants have flowered, but for full-sized potatoes, wait until the foliage has completely died back.
For harvesting, carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging the tubers. Use your hands or a fork to unearth the potatoes, being gentle to prevent bruising. Allow the potatoes to dry on the soil surface for a few hours. When harvesting potatoes, if you accidentally cut into them, separate and set aside these damaged tubers. Avoid storing the injured ones, as they are prone to spoilage; instead, prioritize using these damaged potatoes first.
How to Cure Potatoes
Curing is essential for promoting skin thickening and healing minor injuries. After harvesting, gently remove dried excess soil from potatoes. Please do not rinse them. Allow harvested potatoes to cure in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space for 10-14 days. This process toughens the skin and reduces the risk of rot during storage.
How to Store Potatoes
Store cured potatoes in a dark, cool place with good ventilation. Avoid exposure to sunlight, as it can cause the development of green patches and increase the levels of a toxic alkaloid called solanine. Use breathable storage bags, crates, or baskets to maintain optimal conditions.
Check the stored potatoes regularly for any signs of sprouting, rot, or disease. Remove any compromised potatoes to prevent the spread of issues to the healthy ones.
Hope this post helps your way to a successful potato growing journey.
Happy Gardening!
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