Do potatoes need daily watering?

Potatoes do production best with controlled water - do not water every day! I spoiled my first crop because I watered them too much; the tubers were mushy! You want to give them a deep soaking during the week so that they develop strong roots. Just check to see if the soil is moist just under the surface at a depth of 6 inches or so. If it is still moist, then just wait. Sandy soils will require more frequent watering than clay soils.

Since moisture meters remove the guesswork, the $20 probe I use shows the exact moisture level at the root depth. During the vegetative stage, aim for 30-50% moisture, and during tuber formation, aim for 60-70% moisture. When it reaches 80%, stop watering, or you could have rot. I record this data in a gardening journal.

The schedule of intervals is determined by regional rainfall. My garden in Arizona receives an application of water 3 times per week, even during the 110°F heat. My coastal Oregon garden beds receive this 50% less. Install rain gauges. Readjust when storms precipitate +1". Mulch holds moisture (I use straw, not grass clippings).

Watering at night limits evaporation, but also runs the risk of mildew disease. I water at 7 AM, so the leaves will dry before afternoon makes. If you water in the mid-day sun, you will lose 40% of the moisture to evaporation. Drip systems can provide water into the root zone without wetting leaves. The overhead sprinklers I installed caused the blight outbreak in 2022.

Read the full article: When Plant Potatoes: Expert Timing Guide