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

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16 May 10, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Lena's Nursery in Wanneroo Road, Wangara has Delaware, Royal Blue, Ruby Lou, Norland, Eureka and Kestrel seed from "The Spud Factory" in stock at the moment.
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21 Aug 17, Patsy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have potatoes just coming through the top of a no-dig raised bed and they are being eaten off as they come through. Today I could see a multitude on tiny (1mm) little "flies". Maybe Thrips? Is this what is eating my plants, if so how do I control them? Thanks
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21 May 10, Jeff (Australia - temperate climate)
Waldecks on Manning Rd had a couple of varieties last weekend, Delaware, and something else I hadn't heard of.
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10 May 10, judy hayward (Australia - temperate climate)
hi could you please tell me what is eating my potato plant leaves which is eventually killing them i cant see any grubs i have sprayed with condifor but does not seem to help.thanks and cheers judy
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09 May 10, Stuart (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I was wondering if there was another name for sweet potato as it doesn't seem to be in the seed list, thanks
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06 Jul 10, Eccles (Australia - temperate climate)
Try "kumera".
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03 Jul 10, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hiya Stuart, Sweet Potato can also be known as Kumara and sometimes (depending on your cultural background) yams. For further information check Wikipedia. Cheers
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10 May 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Click on the 'Vegetables and Herbs' tab and you will find sweet potato under S. Individual vegetables only show up on the home page calendar when they are due to be planted.
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20 Apr 10, martin cook (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, im in townsville i had some good yield when i used potatoes sprout im trying to get seeds but im having no luck do you know how i get seeds hear thanks.
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11 Apr 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
To grow Potatoes in Australia (cooler areas) you should start to prepare your bed now. I plant my potatoes every year when the blossoms start to bud on trees. so around late August/early September You can get seed potatoes from local nurseries or bunning's in the vegetable section. you need alot of sunshine full sun is ideal though part shade is fine..... :) x
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That's a big subject! I'd say it depends on what you're trying to achieve. Do you just want a few really good veggies? Do you want to grow as much of your daily food as possible? Does your garden need to be aesthetically pleasing? There are lots of books on container gardening, you could try browsing your local library online. If space is limited, I say think about which veggies you love the most, which are pricey at the store, and which are most improved by eating fresh. Basil and salad greens for instance, are very easy to grow but very overpriced at the store. Corn and tomatoes are so much better homegrown. Whereas potatoes and onions are cheap at the store and not THAT much better homegrown so they're only worth it if you have plenty of space to devote. My advice for a beginner would be to start small and manageable, and build on that each year. Maybe this year buy a couple of Earthboxes or DIY a knockoff, and just grow a few of your favorite veggies. This will also reveal what some of your challenges might be. For instance my first year raccoons ate all my sweet corn, that taught me I would need a good fence in the future. ;-)

- colleen

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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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