When should potatoes be planted in temperate climates?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Honor your potatoes by planting them at the right time; otherwise, you may risk wasting your harvest. I have known them to fail utterly because they were planted before the ground had reached a temperature of 50°F. Measure the soil temperature with a test thermometer a day or two before planting. If it is at or above that degree, plant as usual, taking the usual precaution. Otherwise, be prudent and wait another week or two. Be sure you have a strong sprout to begin with.
Natural Signs
- Dandelion blooms signal soil warmth and frost danger passing
- Maple leaves unfolding indicate suitable planting conditions
- Forsythia flowers dropping petals mark ideal timing windows
Regional Variations
- Coastal areas: Plant late winter for spring harvest
- Mountain zones: Wait until snowmelt completes
- Valley regions: Use early spring after last frost date
Prepare trenches 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) deep, if conditions allow. Set the seed 12 inches (30cm) apart, with the eyes facing upwards, and cover them gently with 4 inches (10cm) of loose soil. I always add a little compost to the bottom of my trenches and water them lightly as soon as the seeds are planted.
Use a row cover to protect early sprouts from surprise frost. Monitor moisture levels and keep soil damp but not soggy. Start hilling soil around stems when plants are 6 inches (15 cm) tall to prevent sun exposure that can cause tubers to become toxic.
To compensate for late planting, consider selecting early varieties, such as Norland, which mature in 60-70 days. Black plastic mulch will act as an insulator, warming the soil. Reduce your spacing from 12 inches (30 cm) to 9 or even 8 inches (20 cm) to allow leaves to cover the ground more quickly. Then pick early before the summer heat strikes the plants.
Read the full article: How to Grow Potatoes: Essential Gardening Guide
