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 6b 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

31 Dec 20, max (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Some gardeners keep stacking wood boxes and a light soil mix as the plants grow. It is said that potatoes will fill the whole stack of boxes. My attempts at this have failed. Can this approach be made to work?
27 Mar 21, Sarah (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I tried the same last season and it didn't work for me either...kept hauling dirt and leaves uphill to potato tower with no results come harvest time. That was my first year growing potatoes. I just found out this morning that potatoes can be determinate or indeterminate. Determinate types supposedly have a smaller plant,, harvest earlier, and only grow in one layer thus do not require hilling(although they should be covered enough so roots don't show). I must have planted a determinate variety last year. because mine only grew in one layer. Check the variety you are planning to grow. I bought seed potatoes this year and am about to plant them. I have more confidence now that I know. what they are and how they behave!
05 Jan 21, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Do some research on the internet about how to do it. I wouldn't go more than about 50-60cm high, 20-24 inches. Soil would need to be fertile. Don't over water. Or just do it the normal way and hill the soil up as they grow.
24 Dec 20, Bonnie Ember (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Buy cloth potato bags, with flaps. Grow year round. Open velcro flaps, Enjoy! We live in the Sierra, at 3000.' Bring them in, on cold nights.
21 Nov 20, andy morzella (USA - Zone 10a climate)
what are the best sweet potato and other potatos to plant and grow in zone 10A? thank you andy
30 Nov 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10b climate)
It doesn't really matter. Different potatoes are good/better for different cooking, Try a search for 'potato varieties usa' to get some more results.
11 Oct 20, Neil Hjelmervik (USA - Zone 9a climate)
We have hard freezes in our garden, as low as 20degrees. What varieties do you recommend to be planted at what times?
15 Oct 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Not sure what part of the country you're in, but there is a garden blog I love called Homestead and Chill which is based out of California, the San Luis Obispo area, which I believe is also zone 9. As I recall the gardeners who run the blog have talked in detail about growing potatoes in their zone, and which types they've had good success with. You might want to look that up and see what they suggest. Good luck!
12 Oct 20, Anon (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I assume you are 9a zone, and you are on the potato page, then the time to plant is at top of the page. Find out what varieties grow in your area- google it.
19 Jun 20, ace (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Anyone grow True Seed Potatoes in zone 10? Curious when you start your seeds. My seeds are low dormancy and short-day length. Start seeds in August, maybe, to plant out in October?
Showing 41 - 50 of 67 comments

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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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