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 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches 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

26 Jan 14, Siya (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can i plant potatoes in late january in pietermaritzburg
20 Jan 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
sowing time of potato in temperate zone
03 Jan 14, Lydia (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Tshepiso we are here in steynsrus in freestate next to Kroonstad,we are growing potatoes,we can supply you.our numbers are 0836257047.
02 Jan 14, kagiso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
how do i get potatoe farms to supply me in south africa and how do i grow my own and get land
31 Dec 13, jeremiah masomera (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hie. What's the general fungicide application frequency that is recommended during the course of growing potatoes. Is there a sort of timetable to be followed?
29 Dec 13, jeff (Australia - temperate climate)
how to store seed potatoes for next season
22 Dec 13, phillip barwick (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
how high do i keep mulching the potatoes with straw in a no dig potato patch to keep them coming on
18 Dec 13, vic (Australia - temperate climate)
when are potatoes ready to dig up
21 Dec 13, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
There are two ways to harvest potatoes. You can get "new potatoes" which are ones you carefully dig up while the plant is still growing. And then there is the normal way, which is to wait until the plant begins to die back. I usually have one or two plants that I attack while they are still vigorous - but keep others to mature and die back without disturbance. You will always get more potatoes if you keep burying the plant in dirt and letting it grow through. It gives more stem to create lateral roots. good luck
20 Dec 13, Timo (Australia - arid climate)
Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plant dies and the tubers at here fullest of starch and size. If you are going to store them then wait until this time. You can start harvesting any time there is any size to the tubers (size of a baby's fist) but Cook and eat them straight away. Happy gardening-Timo
Showing 541 - 550 of 820 comments

I have to say that potatoes also grow amazingly well with parsley. They seem to be great companions.

- Dionne Dixon

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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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