Potatoes are a staple in kitchens around the globe and one of the most satisfying crops to grow at home. With their versatility in recipes and the joy of harvesting fresh tubers straight from the soil, it’s easy to see why so many home gardeners and beginners want to grow their own.
But timing is everything when it comes to planting potatoes. Plant them too early, and frost could ruin your crop. Plant them too late, and you may miss out on an optimal growing cycle. Wondering when you should plant potatoes and how to prepare? This guide covers everything you need to know to ensure a bumper harvest.
What Is the Best Time to Plant Potatoes?
The best time to plant potatoes depends on several factors, including your climate, the variety of potatoes you’re planting, and how you plan to grow them.
Here’s a general guideline for planting potatoes by variety:
- First Earlies (early-harvesting potatoes): Plant in late March to early April.
- Second Earlies (medium-harvesting potatoes): Plant in early to mid-April.
- Maincrops (long-season potatoes): Plant in mid to late April.
That said, your local climate can shift these dates slightly. For example, if you’re in a warmer region, you can plant a bit earlier, while colder climates might need to wait until mid-spring when the soil has warmed up.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Planting Time
Local Climate
Your local weather conditions play a huge role in determining when to plant. Potatoes thrive in cool weather, but they’re sensitive to frost. If you plant early, ensure the danger of frost has passed—or be ready to protect young plants with cloches, straw, or frost covers. Conversely, planting too late in a hot climate may result in poorly developed tubers.
- Wait until the soil temperature is consistently around 45°F (7°C) or warmer.
- Frost-prone climates may need to delay planting or grow inside containers near a protected space.
Potato Variety
Different potato varieties have slightly different planting and harvesting timelines:
- First Earlies grow quickly and are ready to harvest within 10–12 weeks. They’re great for small, fresh yields.
- Second Earlies take around 13–15 weeks to mature.
- Maincrops are the slowest but produce the largest yields (17–20 weeks).
Select your variety based on how quickly you want your potatoes and whether you need a long-lasting harvest for storage.
Soil Preparation
Potatoes thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5–6. Add compost or well-rotted manure in advance to prepare the soil.
Steps for garden preparation:
- Remove weeds and large stones.
- Use a soil pH tester to ensure acidity is slightly low (potatoes prefer acidic soils to avoid scab).
- Add compost a few weeks before planting to encourage healthy root growth.
Container Growing Timelines
If growing in pots or bags, the planting timeline is more flexible. Many gardeners start container potatoes earlier by growing them in greenhouses or protected spaces during colder months.
Chitting (Optional Pre-Planting Step)
Chitting refers to allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting. This step doesn’t take long (2–4 weeks) and can give early varieties a jump start.
How to chit seed potatoes:
- Lay seed potatoes in an open tray, with the “eyes” facing upward.
- Place in a cool, bright space.
- Once sprouted, plant them directly into your prepared soil.
The Steps to Planting Potatoes
Selecting the Right Spot
Choose a sunny, open spot with loose, nutrient-rich soil. Avoid areas where potatoes or related crops (like tomatoes) were grown in the previous year to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Planting Potatoes in the Ground
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Dig Trenches or Rows:
- For First Earlies, space rows around 12–15 inches apart.
- For Second Earlies and Maincrops, space rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Plant Seed Potatoes:
- Space each potato 10–12 inches apart within the row.
- Plant them about 6 inches deep, with sprouts (or chitted shoots) facing up.
- Cover them with soil and water lightly.
Planting Potatoes in Containers
If space is limited, containers are an excellent option for growing potatoes:
- Use a container at least 10 gallons (40 liters) in volume.
- Add 4–6 inches of compost or soil to the bottom.
- Place seed potatoes on top, with sprouts facing up, and cover with 3 inches of soil.
- Add more soil as the plants grow, covering the stems partially (this is called “earthing up”).
Protecting Plants Against Frost
Unexpected frosts can damage young potato plants. Simple measures include:
- Covering plants with frost cloths or blankets overnight.
- Using straw mulch around shoots for insulation.
“Earthing Up”
Earthing up involves mounding soil around potato stems as they grow. This protects the potatoes from sunlight exposure (preventing green tubers) and encourages more tuber production.
Watering and Feeding
- Water Regularly: Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Fertilize with high-nitrogen feeds early in their growth, switching to high-potassium later for better tuber development.
Crop Rotation
Rotate potato crops annually, growing them in different areas of your garden each year to avoid pests and diseases.
When to Harvest Your Potatoes
Harvesting by Variety
- First Earlies (June–July): Harvest once flowers appear and buds drop off. Check tubers for size.
- Second Earlies (July–August): Harvest when foliage begins yellowing.
- Maincrops (August–October): Wait until the foliage dies back completely to maximize yield.
Harvest Techniques
- Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil, starting several inches away from the plant.
- For container-grown plants, simply dump the soil into a tarp or tray and collect the potatoes.
Post-Harvest Care
After harvesting:
- Dry tubers in sunlight for a couple of hours.
- Store Maincrop potatoes in dark, cool, and ventilated containers (e.g., paper sacks).
Common Potato Planting & Growing Issues (and Solutions)
- Potato Blight:
Prevent with rotation and resistant varieties.
- Slugs and Pests:
Use organic controls like slug pellets or beer traps.
- Green Potatoes:
Always earth up plants or cover developing tubers with soil.
FAQs About Planting Potatoes
Can I plant potatoes in winter?
You can grow early varieties indoors or in greenhouses to enjoy a winter crop.
Can I use store-bought potatoes to grow plants?
While possible, it’s better to use certified seed potatoes to avoid disease.
How many potatoes will one seed potato produce?
A single seed potato can yield between 10–15 tubers depending on conditions.
What’s the best way to store potatoes?
For long-term storage, keep them in a dark, cool place with good ventilation.
Which potato varieties are best for beginners?
Foolproof varieties include Maris Piper, King Edward, and Charlotte.