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 - cool/mountain 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

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03 Aug 13, leanne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
If your potatoes are still in the ground and light has turned the tops green are they still alright to cover with earth or should you throw them away?
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16 Aug 13, Judy K. (Australia - temperate climate)
Do not eat the green potato, it is toxic.
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28 Jul 13, Anita (Australia - temperate climate)
? Can I grow potatoes in my garden with just home compost ? I do this but they grow slow ,can you tell me if this is o k Thank you ANITA
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30 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
IS IT OK TO USE BLOOD & BONE ON MY POTATOES ?
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17 Sep 13, Catherine (Australia - temperate climate)
YES, IT IS. MIX IT UP WITH THE SOIL.
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21 Jul 13, [email protected] (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted my potatoes at the end of may they have flowered how long before I can dig them up. .'i remember when in Ireland mum said it was about 3 months ,usually until the top "withered. Please advise me
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14 Jul 13, SueBateson (Australia - temperate climate)
Your potatoes will eventually grow through. It is a little cool yet but they will take off as soon as it warms up a bit,you will be eating them by Christmas. 30cm is a little deep, 15cm is enough really but deeper means as the plant grows upwards it will send off more roots and shoots which equals more potatoes in the end. If they are planted more shallow you can add mulch and just leave a leaf or two uncovered, do this every month or so until they are hilled up, flower and die down, then just spread it out to harvest them rather than digging down 30cm.
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13 Jul 13, Kyria (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm growing my first crop atm and think I've done it ll wrong! I started with planting potatoes that have sprouted in about 25-30cm deep.. It's been a good two weeks and haven't had any sign of life... What are you thoughts?
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03 Jul 13, vivianne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It is july 3rd 2013, i am planning to plant potatoes in bags out of the frost. Will they grown. oh yes i am in katoomba nsw 2780
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05 Jul 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
July sounds a bit early for potatoes in Katoomba - I guess it might work if you can keep them completely protected from frost. I usually wait until September/October.
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I'm new to growing potatoes or much else for that matter. My potatoes had started to sprout nice green plants about 6 cm tall. They seem to have been decimated I think by brush turkeys, I saw one near the patch but am also now thinking that they have raked the patch so other plants have not come up. There were also some fox droppings and also i think some wallaby droppings. Even though it is a bit late I'm going to plant again. How do I protect them?

- Kate

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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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