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

02 Aug 16, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks, that is helpful. I will try this
24 Feb 16, Carol (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew my potatoes in bags and pots and 90% died because of heat, humidity and triple rainfall than usual. Next I am trying beds and the no dig method. I'm getting seed potatoes in March and seeing how I go. I'm sticking to sweet potatoes in the hotter months.
27 Feb 16, John (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
We dhave bought our seed potatoes and will chitting them before planting out in March, Not sure how this equates to the growing season where you are. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/potatoes?type=v
17 Nov 15, Trevor Burford (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some self seeded potatoes growing amongst my tomatoes and pumpkins. Why is this not advised?
18 Nov 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Tomatoes and potatoes are both in the 'nightshade' family and share many of the same diseases and pests. Something that attacks one (particularly fungii) will probably move on to attack the other.
15 Nov 15, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in brisbane and I'm wanting to try my hand at potatoes in a barrel. is November too late to plant them or am I best waiting till next season?
14 Nov 15, Dave (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow spuds the same way Pete Cundall did on Patch from Scratch. I put them on newspaper, cow manure, blood and bone and covered with about 18" of sugar cane mulch and watered in. All I have done since is mound leaves.
27 Jun 16, MEL (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Did this work? Sounds great!
31 Oct 15, michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I am moving to tara Queensland and was wanting to grow potatoes could you please tell me what is the best thing to grow there.
29 Oct 15, alan jones (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried growing potatoes from tubers from Bunnings.I grew them in a wall compound 250mm high, as they grew I back filled and put another course of bricks on top giving me 500mm in height. They grew well but later did not come to flower??. In time the plants slowly died off and once dead I set about getting the spuds out. I was dissappointed as there was a little crop and most were the size of a large grape, and only 4 were useable. It looked like they could have spent another month or so to grow bigger, but plant was dead and shrivelled up?? Can anyone give advice what I have done wrong and what to do next season thanks Alan
Showing 251 - 260 of 561 comments

Potatoes should grow well in Hobart. Plant the tubers in spring when the soil has started to warm up a bit. Sprouting to get the potato started gets it off to a start. it is probably not necessary, as it wouldn't happen naturally, but does give the tuber a good start.

- Giovanni

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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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