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How to grow potatoes

How to grow potatoes

Growing potatoes at home is both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding. Whether boiled, mashed, baked, or fried, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homegrown potatoes. With their versatile growing requirements, potatoes are easy to cultivate in gardens, raised beds, or containers, and offer a generous harvest even from small spaces. In this guide, we'll walk you step-by-step through the entire process, helping you achieve a healthy, abundant potato crop.

How to grow potatoes from seed potatoes

Potatoes grow best when started from "seed potatoes" small potatoes or potato pieces with healthy "eyes" or sprouts. Begin by placing seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot to encourage sprouting. Once sprouts are about half an inch long, cut large potatoes into pieces ensuring each has at least two eyes. Allow these pieces to dry for a day or two before planting. Plant seed potatoes four inches deep, with the sprouts facing upward, into loosened, fertile soil. As potato plants grow, mound soil up around the base of stems—a process called "hilling" to prevent potatoes from turning green from sunlight exposure.

When to plant potatoes

Plant potatoes in early spring, roughly two to three weeks before your last frost date, when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F (7°C). In milder climates, potatoes can also be planted in the fall for a winter or early spring harvest. Timing is crucial—too early and cold, wet soil may rot the seed potatoes, but too late, and hot temperatures can reduce yield and quality. Check local planting dates to optimize your potato planting schedule.

How far apart to plant potatoes

Plant seed potatoes about 12 to 15 inches apart, allowing adequate room for tubers to develop underground. Rows should be spaced about 24 to 36 inches apart to ensure good airflow, easy harvesting, and sufficient room for hilling the plants. Proper spacing maximizes growth potential, prevents competition for nutrients and moisture, and reduces the risk of disease.

How much space potatoes need

Potato plants require enough space for their roots and tubers to grow without restriction. Each plant ideally needs 12 to 15 inches of space in all directions. Rows should be spaced at least 24 to 36 inches apart to allow easy access for hilling, maintenance, and harvesting. Adequate space promotes larger yields and healthier plants and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease.

Do potatoes need a trellis

Potatoes are root crops that grow underground and do not require a trellis. Instead, potatoes benefit from a technique known as "hilling," where soil is mounded around the stems as the plants grow. This practice encourages potato production, protects tubers from sunlight, and supports plant health without needing additional support structures.

Where to plant potatoes

Choose a sunny, well-drained site with fertile, loose soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, clay soils as they retain excess moisture and hinder tuber development. If your garden soil is heavy or compacted, planting potatoes in raised beds or containers filled with loose, amended soil is beneficial. Potatoes thrive best in an area that previously hosted beans or leafy greens and should be rotated annually to prevent diseases.

How much sunlight potatoes need

Potatoes need full sun to thrive, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, sunlight is essential for robust growth, healthy foliage, and optimal tuber development. Adequate sunlight directly impacts yield and the overall quality of your harvested potatoes.

What temperature potatoes grow in

Potatoes prefer cooler growing conditions, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). They germinate best when soil temperatures are above 45°F (7°C). Cooler soil temperatures encourage healthy root development and tuber growth. Temperatures consistently above 80°F (27°C) can reduce tuber formation, while excessively cold conditions may delay growth or cause rot.

Can potatoes handle frost

Potato plants are moderately frost-sensitive. Young plants can withstand mild frost, but significant frost or freezing temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) will damage foliage and stems. If frost is forecasted, protect young plants using frost covers or straw mulch. Mature potato plants with tubers underground are less affected by frost, as soil provides natural insulation.

How much water potatoes need

Potatoes require consistent, even moisture, approximately one to two inches of water per week. It's particularly crucial during flowering and tuber formation, as inconsistent watering can cause irregularly shaped or cracked potatoes. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged—too much water can lead to rot or disease.

How often to water potatoes

Check soil moisture regularly, watering potatoes deeply once or twice weekly depending on rainfall and weather conditions. Consistent watering is key, especially during dry spells or periods of active growth. Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plants, encouraging deeper root growth.

How long potatoes take to grow

Potatoes typically take between 70 and 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Early varieties mature faster (70-90 days), while mid-season and late-season varieties take longer (90-120 days). Keep track of planting dates and monitor plants for flowering and foliage yellowing, signs that your potatoes are nearing harvest time.

When to harvest/pick potatoes

Harvest potatoes once plants flower and foliage begins to yellow and die back. Early or "new" potatoes can be harvested two to three weeks after flowering for tender, smaller tubers. For mature potatoes, wait until the foliage has completely yellowed and withered—typically three to four weeks after flowering. Harvest carefully to avoid damaging tubers.

How to harvest/pick potatoes

To harvest potatoes, use a garden fork or spade, gently loosening soil around the base of the plant. Lift the plant carefully, extracting the potatoes by hand. Avoid using sharp tools directly around tubers to prevent damage. Once harvested, let potatoes dry in a shaded area for several hours to toughen the skins before storing.

Can you grow potatoes indoors

While growing potatoes indoors isn't common, it's possible with proper care, large containers, and sufficient sunlight or artificial grow lights. Select a deep, large container, place it near a sunny window or under grow lights, and maintain consistent moisture. Indoor yields may be smaller, but you can still enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes year-round.

How to grow potatoes in pots/containers

Potatoes are ideal for container growing. Use a large pot at least 15 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with loose, nutrient-rich potting soil and plant seed potatoes four inches deep. As plants grow, gradually add more soil around stems ("hilling") to encourage tuber formation. Ensure consistent watering and sunlight exposure. Container-grown potatoes simplify harvesting, eliminate soil-borne disease risks, and offer convenience on patios, balconies, or urban gardens.