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

20 Jul 15, clark (Australia - temperate climate)
When do we plant potato seed Tasmania
27 Jun 15, Rusty (Australia - temperate climate)
Now is a great time to plant spuds in SA.
27 Jun 15, Albi (Australia - temperate climate)
The only substance of real concern leached from tyres is zinc that is essential for tuber development. In marginal areas the tyre is the difference between a crop in winter or none at all.
09 May 15, Eren kara (Australia - temperate climate)
the following answer is not based on scientific research but my own experiences . In temperate regions of Australia you don't get the deep penetrating frosts of the northern hemisphere so I say to you that go ahead and plant your potatoes into the ground about the second or third week in June ,if you're growing on a small scale you may be able to provide some kind of cover in an extreme situation but not to worry even if you see shoots turning black the business end oh a potato is under the soil and it will be fine .
06 May 15, bill (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi,it's early June,can I plant potatoes now,frost can go down to about minus 4 some times,thanks
06 May 15, sue (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best time to plant potatoes in melbourne vic?
14 Apr 15, gaynor (Australia - tropical climate)
When is the best time to plant potatoes on the gold coast....
13 Apr 15, jan guest (Australia - tropical climate)
question..i live in darwin have brought back seed potatoes[sebago] just want to know information on how to grow with tyres,ferterlizers to use. thank you.
24 Apr 15, (Australia - arid climate)
apparently growing in tyres is bad for your health.the tyres put a poison in the soil.
25 Mar 15, Kate Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
What season do you grow potatoes in SA?
Showing 281 - 290 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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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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