Planting potatoes is one of the most rewarding spring garden projects. With the right timing and simple techniques, you can harvest fresh potatoes by early summer. For many gardeners, February 14th is the traditional planting date, and for good reason. Soil conditions are usually right, and potatoes thrive when planted early.
This guide walks you through when to plant, how to prepare seed potatoes, and the best planting methods for both large and small spaces.
When to Plant Potatoes
February 14th is the date many people like to plant potatoes. In North Texas and similar regions, this timing allows potatoes to grow before summer heat arrives.
Planting early helps:
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Improve tuber development
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Reduce heat stress
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Increase overall yield
Use the Right Seed Potatoes
Always use seed potatoes, not potatoes from the grocery store. Store-bought potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry disease.
Before planting, allow your seed potatoes to sprout. This gives the plants a head start once they are in the ground.
Cut the seed potatoes so each piece has at least one eye. Each eye becomes a plant.
After cutting, let the pieces dry completely before planting. This drying process is called scabbing. Scabbing helps prevent rot once the potato is in the soil.
Some gardeners like to dust cut pieces with sulfur. I never do. Allowing the potato to scab naturally works well.
Planting Potatoes in the Ground
Planting directly in the ground is the most common method.
Start by digging a trench about 6 inches deep. Place the seed potatoes in the trench and cover them with soil.
As the plants grow and break through the surface, continue pulling soil up around the stems. This process is important.
Covering the stems helps:
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Prevent potatoes from receiving sunlight
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Reduce greening and bitterness
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Encourage more tuber formation
Keep adding soil as the plant grows taller.
Fertilizing Potatoes
Potatoes benefit from proper nutrition, especially potassium.
Fertilize with Muriate of Potash during the growing season. Potassium supports strong root development and improves potato quality.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth instead of tuber production.
Planting Potatoes in Containers or Tires
If you are limited on space, potatoes grow well in containers or old tires.
Choose a well-drained container. Place soil in the bottom and plant the seed potato. As the plant grows, continue adding soil to keep the developing potatoes covered.
This method follows the same principle as trench planting but works vertically instead of horizontally.
When it is time to harvest, simply turn the container over and dump out the potatoes. This makes harvesting quick and easy.
When to Harvest Potatoes
Potatoes are usually ready to harvest in early to mid-June.
Harvest timing depends on:
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Planting date
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Weather conditions
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Variety grown
Once the plants begin to die back, potatoes are close to maturity.
Get Ready for a Great Potato Harvest
Planting potatoes is simple, affordable, and perfect for home gardens of any size. With proper seed preparation, correct planting depth, and good fertilization, you can enjoy fresh potatoes straight from your garden.
Visit our farm and feed store for quality seed potatoes, fertilizers, and garden supplies. We are here to help you grow better crops from planting day to harvest.
