Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Potato in Australia - sub-tropical 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

07 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I tried to keep hilling up with a 1/2 compost mulch and probably soil was too wet. I did get much of a crop. Use good soil with completely composted material. I would say you probably have some disease.
26 Oct 17, Christine Thyne (Australia - temperate climate)
I've in Wheatbelt Wa can I grow potatos in tubs now as summer is so very hot in Merredin
26 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Better to grow them into winter. Plant about May. The hot sun during winter sucks a lot of water out of the plants during the day. You would have to water them 2-3 times a day.
14 Oct 17, Carol (Australia - temperate climate)
A friend was advising me when I was planting potatoes. He even dug the trench for me. He then told me to put the spuds on the pile of dirt, not in the trench, about a thumb length down. As I'd never planted potatoes before I duly followed his directions. I now read this info only to find that they should have gone in the trench! What now?
15 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If the plants are quite small try transplanting them into the trench. Make sure you keep as much soil around the roots as possible. - like use a shovel and place them in the trench carefully so not to let the soil fall away.
10 Oct 17, Filly (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in an apartment with a west facing balcony and about to experiment with my "potting Garden" Wish me luck lol. Was just wondering if potatoes would have any problem on my balcony since it is west facing?
11 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You will probably struggle growing much if your plants are only going to have sun for half or less of the day. Good luck with it.
02 Nov 17, Filly (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for your reply Mike. ! I'm gonna try anyway :) Can't keep this woman down lol.
10 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Do your research on how best to grow potatoes in pots. West facing will probably mean more water for all of your pots, as they will get the hotter afternoon sun. Mulch well.
02 Nov 17, Filly (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for your comment Darren. Yep, I have read that info on my potato quest haha! We'll see how my spuds turn out. Maybe I will receive a medal haha! I am not easily defeated :) Not that I am big on spuds, just trying out something "not so new" in a different environment.
Showing 171 - 180 of 561 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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