How to Grow Potatoes: A Beginner’s Guide
Forget lengthy introductions, let's get straight to the good stuff - homegrown potatoes! I know you ended up here because this is a topic that interests you and you want to know how to do it correctly. So, just so you know- these versatile veggies are surprisingly low-maintenance and super rewarding. This guide will equip you with the essential steps to cultivate your own spudtacular harvest, without all the unnecessary fluff. We'll also cover some common mistakes to avoid (don't worry, it's easier than you think!). LET'S GET RIGHT TO THE IT!
Step 1: Where to Start!?
- Grocery store potatoes are a no-go. Head to a garden center and grab "seed potatoes" specifically meant for planting.
- Look for firm potatoes with healthy "eyes" (little sprouts).
Step 2: Pick Your Location
- Sunshine is key! Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil should be loose and well-draining. If it's heavy clay, amend it with some compost or fertilizer for optimal potato growth.
Step 3: How Do I Plant My Potatoes?
- Cut your seed potatoes into pieces, each with 1-2 eyes. Let the cut sides dry out for a day or two.
- Dig trenches 6-8 inches deep and space your potato pieces 12-18 inches apart. Eyes facing up!
- Cover the trenches with a few inches of soil.
Step 4: How to Take Care of My Growing Potatoes?
- Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Aim for moist but not soggy soil.
- As your plants grow, pile more soil around the base (hilling). This encourages more potato growth!
- Keep an eye out for weeds and pests. Deal with them promptly to avoid stunting your potato bounty.
Step 5: Harvest Time!
How long will my potatoes take to grow? This depends on the variety you choose, but most potatoes are ready to harvest 60-120 days after planting. Here's a general guide:
- The leaves will eventually die back and turn brown - that's your signal to harvest.
- You can carefully dig around a plant to peek at the size of the potatoes before going for a full harvest.
Bonus Tip: Want baby potatoes? Simply harvest them whenever you like throughout the growing season!
Growing Potatoes in Tight Spaces?
Live in an apartment or have limited space? Don't worry, you can still enjoy homegrown potatoes! Here's how your choice of growing space can impact your potato harvest:
- Cedar Planter Raised Garden Beds: Our raised garden beds are generally the recommended option for growing potatoes, even in smaller sizes (like the 18"x36" bed). They offer more manageable planting depth and some lateral space for tubers to grow compared to grow bags. This can translate to a slightly higher yield. Plus, raised beds are easier to work with for planting, hilling, and harvesting.
- Cedar Planter Grow Bags: While not ideal for all potato varieties, Cedar Planter grow bags (in 10-15 gallon sizes) can be a viable option if space is absolutely limited. Opt for early maturing potato varieties or plan to harvest them as baby potatoes to maximize your success in a grow bag.
Remember: The best choice depends on your priorities. If you have some wiggle room and maximizing your potato harvest is important, a raised garden bed is the way to go. If space is at an absolute premium, a grow bag can work for early varieties or baby potatoes.
5 Things to NOT do!
While growing potatoes is pretty straightforward, here are a few things to avoid for a great harvest:
- Planting Too Shallow: Aim for 6-8 inches deep to give your potatoes room to grow and prevent greening from sun exposure.
- Drowning Your Potatoes: Overwatering can lead to rot. Water regularly, but aim for moist, not soggy soil.
- Skipping the Hilling: Hilling, or mounding soil around the base of the plant as it grows, encourages more potato production.
- Planting Too Close Together: Give your potato plants enough space (12-18 inches) for proper air circulation and growth.
- Using the Wrong Potatoes: Don't be tempted to sprout grocery store potatoes! Invest in certified seed potatoes for the best results.
Whether you have a great backyard to grow potatoes from the ground or a small balcony, with a little planning and these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious homegrown potatoes in no time!
I’ve heard that you need to pluck off the flowers from the plant due to them being poisonous. Is that correct?
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi John,
You don’t need to pluck potato flowers because the blooms themselves aren’t dangerous, but you can remove the small, green- round fruits that grow after the flowers fall off, as those are highly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Happy Growing!
When should you start building the “hills” around the potatoes, and should I cover up the sprouts?
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi John,
Thats a great question. You can start hilling when sprouts reach 6 to 8 inches tall, mounding the soil to cover about half the stem while leaving the top 2 to 3 inches of greenery exposed.
Happy Planting
What kind of soil is best to grow potatoes. I’ve used potting soil in the past but it stuck to the potatoes and would not wash off.
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi Janice,
The best soil for potatoes is a loose, well-draining mix with organic matter, as its gritty texture prevents the “sticking” issue common with heavy potting mixes !
Happy Planting!
This is great information. I’ve been growing potatoes in potato bags for years and hardly get any big potatoes. Decided to grow them in the ground or my raised beds. Is there anything that I need to do differently? Thank you!
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi Martha,
It’s great you’re trying potatoes in raised beds! For the best results, we also suggest using loose, well-draining soil and hilling the stems with soil as they grow, to give the tubers room to expand while staying protected from the sun.
Thank you for the kind words and happy gardening!
Hello! Fantastic instructional! Is there an ideal time to plant, particularly in the Midwest? Is there a specific temperature threshold to abide by?
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Cedar Planters replied:
Good morning ! That’s a great question — and thank you so much for the kind words!
In the Midwest, there isn’t one fixed calendar date for planting — the best time depends on your local last frost date and soil temperature. For cool‑season vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach, you’ll want to plant once the soil at about 3–4 inches deep is around 40–45 °F (4–7 °C) and frost risk is ending; for warm‑season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, wait until soil is about 60 °F (15 °C)+ and frost has passed so seeds germinate and transplants thrive.
For potatoes in a raised garden bed, plant them in early spring when the soil has warmed to about 45–55 °F (7–13 °C)and 2–4 weeks before your average last frost date — raised beds keep temperatures consistent longer so soil should be workable (not wet) to avoid rot before sprouting begins.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
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