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

29 Sep 16, chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
No they are of the same family, try changing the soil around and giving fresh soil to the bed , then planting.
28 Jul 16, graham paul (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the PH required for potatoes? Thanking you, Graham
24 Jul 16, Anthony Scanlon (Australia - temperate climate)
I.planted my seed potatoes in large tubs late May I have kept topping them up they have reached the top of tubs large folage very healthy what to do next. Regards Anthony
03 Oct 16, Lachlan (Australia - temperate climate)
Wait till foliage dies then harvest.
14 Jul 16, Ian (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi we live in Vanuatu south pacific and I was hoping to grow some spuds , we grow kumala here but some white potatoes would be a nice addition. Any thoughts Thanks Ian
26 Jul 16, Trish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Ian, I'm no expert, but I think that your climate is too tropical for potatoes. I've tried in the past in Brisbane & Gold Coast in the winter, but they quickly rot. I think sweet potatoes are the way to go.
12 Jul 16, Harry (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying some spouted spuds, planting now July in Sydney.
14 May 16, AGOES SOEDJARWO (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When the best month to grow potatoes in Katoomba Blue Mountains? Thank you Regards AWS
14 Mar 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 1 long green cattle water trough with a plug for drainage. Have filled it with a mix of soul, compost and chicken manure. I will try and grow on row in that and see how we go. It is hot and humid here so will have to see how it goes. Also have a half small rainwater tank with a good mix of compost and soil and will also try to grow some in that. Fingers crossed.
05 Mar 16, Alan (Australia - temperate climate)
We grow two crops a year, one through spring & the other through autumn storing them in the garage in a black 50lt container & lid we bought from Bunnings. Don't ever wash them before storage & always keep the lid on so they remain in the dark.
Showing 241 - 250 of 561 comments

It depends -- not all potatoes are suitable for towering (layering). Additionally, I have found that the potato plant SPENDS A LOT OF ENERGY GROWING UP, UP, UP, as you cover its leaves with soil (leaves have specialized cells designed to collect light - and why you would want to cover them with soil is beyond me this is not really a good move -- leaves are not roots). My recommendation is: if you have a DEEP PLANTER bag starting at about six inches from the bottom -- in sort of a pattern that looks like the 5 on a die (dice) -- make about 3-4 inch round holes -- and make them on the sides that receive light keeping the holes about 10 inches apart (6 inches away from the bottom and 10 inches away from the top of the bag). Fill the bag with a good soil/compost/manure mix of some kind -- starting from the bottom -- when you are level with a hole, place a seed potato there, level or slight below the bottom lip of the hole, and about 3 inches from the side of the bag (so there is soil between the potato and the hole) -- continue up until the bag is full -- the top layer of potatoes can be planted as usual. Yes, the soil will come out of the holes ... not to worry -- just be sure that the soil covers the topmost holes by at least 6-8inches. That is - each potato planted in the bag should have access to a WINDOW (air and light) OR those planted on the top layer (like a usual planting) should be down about 9 inches or so. The Key to this planting is ALL potatoes need to be able to put leaves somewhere -- they will follow the air and light to find that spot -- all potatoes need water -- so you will be watering from the top of the bag only (like a potted plant) -- but you water DEEPLY, since the water needs to make it to the very bottom potato plants -- so maybe you water every 5 days or so... depends on the soil, temperature, amount of light , amount of wind/air (which whisks moisture away), Additionally, ensure there is drainage at the bottom of the bag .... maybe a two inch hole directly at ground level. It might be better to use a crate of some kind.... rather than a bag...anyhow this set up will work with any kind of potato plant without consideration as to whether or not it can handle towering. Hope this helps. Conversion of inches to cm : 1 inch = 2.5cm

- Celeste Archer

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