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Potato Growing Guide
Growing Guide

Potatoes

For centuries, the potato has reigned supreme as one of the most popular plants to have in your garden. Overall, they are a relatively easy crop that don’t require a lot of labor to maintain or harvest, are high in nutrients, and can be grown in even the smallest of spaces. Growing potatoes is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners but has been a staple crop for home gardens, commercial gro...

Quick Overview

Category Details
Planting Time Early spring; 2–4 weeks before last frost
Soil Temperature 60–70°F for optimal growth
Sunlight Requirements Full sun (6+ hours/day)
Watering Requirements 1–2" per week; consistent moisture is key
Spacing (In-Ground) 6–12" apart, rows 3–4' apart
Spacing (Raised Bed) 12–18" apart
Fertilizer Guidelines Heavy feeder—apply balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress nitrogen during growth

Growing Guide Details

Plant Classifications

Potatoes fall into several main types, each with unique uses in the kitchen. Russet potatoes are large and starchy with a fluffy texture, making them perfect for baking and mashing. Red potatoes are waxy with thin skins that hold their shape well, making them ideal for roasting, boiling, or potato salad. Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes offer medium starch levels and a naturally buttery flavor, making them versatile for mashing, roasting, or frying. Finally, fingerling potatoes are small and elongated with a firm texture, prized as a gourmet favorite for roasting and pan-frying.

What Variety to Choose?

💡

Yukon Gold: Early-maturing, buttery flavor; excellent all-purpose potato.

Viking Potato: A red-skinned variety with white flesh; great for boiling, roasting, or mashing, and performs well in a wide range of soils.

Kennebec: Reliable, large yields; versatile for frying, baking, or chipping.

German Butterball: Heirloom yellow potato with creamy texture and an amazing flavor.

When to Plant

• Spring: Plant potatoes in early spring, 2–4 weeks before the last expected frost date, when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F.

• Fall: In warmer regions you can plant a fall crop 90-120 days before the first frost.

• Pro Tip: Potatoes start best in a soil that is 45–55°F and grow best when the soil is 60–70°F

Light & Space Requirements

Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours/day) is essential.

In-Ground:

Row spacing: 36–48 in

Plant spacing: 6–12 in

Raised Beds: 12–16 in between plants

Soil & Fertility

Soil Requirements:

pH between 6.0–7.0

Rich in compost or organic matter

Well-draining, but moisture-retentive

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

1 Week After planting:
Sidedress with 1 1/2 cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft row.

2 Weeks after planting:
Sidedress of 1/2 - 1 cup of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row.

4 Weeks after planting:
Sidedress 1/2 – 1 cup of Hoss Calcium Nitrate Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row.

2 Weeks later for every other week:
Sidedress with 2 cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft row.

Pest & Disease Control

Pest/Disease Control Method
Flea Beetle

Garden Insect Spray, Neem Oil, Take Out
Leaf Hopper

Garden Insect Spray, Neem Oil, Take Out
Colorado Potato Beetle

Take Out
Potato Tuber Moth

Take Out
Early Blight

Liquid Copper, Garden Phos
Late Blight

Liquid Copper, Garden Phos, Crop Rotation, Don't overwater
Common Scab

Crop Rotation, Don't overwater
Bacterial Wilt

Crop rotation, certified Seed potatoes

Irrigation & Watering Schedule

• Needs 1–1.5” water per week

• Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)

• Use Drip Irrigation Kits to avoid wetting leaves

Harvesting & Storage

Harvest: Wait until plants yellow and die back. Loosen soil with a fork and carefully lift tubers.
Storage: Cure harvested potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated space at 60–65°F for 1–2 weeks, then store in a cool (40–45°F), dark place for several months.
Preservation Tip: Do not wash potatoes before storing—brush off soil and wash only before cooking.

Sustainability & Garden Tips

• Crop Rotation: Rotate potatoes every 3–4 years to reduce soil-borne diseases like scab or blight. Avoid following other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant).

• Hilling: Mound soil or mulch around stems as plants grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight and increase yields.

• Mulching: Use straw or shredded leaves to keep soil cool and moist while reducing weeds.

• Companions: Beans, corn, and cabbage make good companions. Avoid planting near tomatoes or cucumbers.

• Green Potatoes: Exposure to sunlight turns tubers green and toxic (due to solanine)—always keep tubers well-covered.

FAQs

Do I need to cut seed potatoes before planting?

Yes—cut large seed potatoes into pieces with at least 1–2 eyes each. Let them cure for a day before planting to prevent rotting.

Why do I need to “hill” potatoes?

Hilling prevents tubers from being exposed to sunlight, which causes greening and bitterness, and also encourages more tuber production.

Why are my potatoes small?

Causes include lack of water, compacted soil, not enough hilling, or planting too close together.

Can potatoes be grown in containers or bags?

Yes—use a 10–15 gallon grow bag or container with at least 12–15" depth. Add soil as plants grow to simulate hilling.

Can I plant potatoes from the grocery store?

Not recommended. They are often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases. Always use certified seed potatoes.

Published on June 07, 2023
Updated on October 22, 2025