Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P              

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 40 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

07 Aug 21, Elaine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
How best can I use, an old bag of coffee grinds in the garden.
01 Sep 21, Janet (Australia - temperate climate)
We had tomato and capsicum plants that were growing really nicely and promising in big pots with organic potting soil, compost and fertiliser. When we heard about coffee grounds and applied them, it really set these plants back (visibly evidenced) and they did not fruit much at all. They were our pride and joy. There are new articles on the Net about coffee grounds Not being a good idea close to our plants - there maybe a few exceptions. We would never take the risk again.
09 Aug 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just spread it out thinly in the garden and mix into the soil. Or use it in your compost if you are making it.
23 Jul 21, Michelle Manning (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello I live in northern NSW Australia what is the best potatoes to grow in this area ? Thanks
06 Aug 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is more about what variety you want to eat. Five people will probably tell you 5 different varieties.
22 Jun 21, Phindile (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow Potatoes In july? I live in the eastern cape province in south Africa
29 Jun 21, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It says Sept to Nov for summer rainfall so probably best not plant now.
17 Jun 21, Mathi (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I Live in Zone 7b, Can i Plant potato now? Instead of seeds, I am planning to start with sprouted one from kitchen. Thanks in advance
09 Aug 21, Anon (USA - Zone 7b climate)
It suggests you plant Mar April. You grow potatoes from potatoes not seeds.
04 Dec 21, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
Most people grow potatoes from “seed potatoes”. Some people chose to grow their potatoes from actual seeds – think tomato seed. These seeds are called “True potato seeds”. The reasons to grow potatoes from TPS are numerous. The main reasons tend to be: more variety, and cultivating a variety that is well suited to your conditions. When the intent is to cultivate a variety well suited to your taste and growing conditions you generally purchase a package of say Andean TPS. This package will contain MANY different kinds of potatoes: flesh and skin colours. It will also contain short day, day neutral and long day potatoes; their ideal climates may differ. The idea is to grow as many of the potatoes as you can first year; some will grow well, some will not grow, some will grow poorly and some might just LOVE your place. Some will set a lot of potatoes, and some will set fewer; the idea is to find the potato/potato plant you like best – then save those potatoes to use as seed potatoes next year. In the first year you really don’t expect to have eating potatoes – it’s a year to find your potato variety. When growing from TPS you start the seeds early indoors, like you might do for tomatoes. Then transplant outdoors at the appropriate time.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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