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 have a virus in my soil which cause spots on the skin, which is not harmful..can I add a fungicide prior to planting.? I can not rotate …
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi Don,
Depending on the specific pathogen, it may be best to remove a portion of the soil entirely. If the disease was severe and ruined your harvest last year, we recommend replacing the top 50% of the soil in your raised garden bed and mixing the remainder with fresh organic amendments. If the damage was just cosmetic ‘spots,’ using an organic fungicide can be effective—just ensure it’s rated for the specific plants you’re growing once you have narrowed down the cause !
Happy Planting!
How should I store my seed potatoes until I can plant them. Also if seed potatoes do not have the little sprouts should I hold off planting?
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi Dave,
That’s a great question. You can store seed potatoes in a cool, dark place, and while you can plant them immediately, “chitting” them to grow small sprouts first is a great way to jumpstart growth for an even earlier harvest.
Happy Planting !
Hi.
I’ve grown a fair number of supermarket spuds in my day.
I’ll say this – if you want a consistent result and a high yield, always use Seed Potatoes. You’ll get ideal results.
If you just want to grow a plant, you can chuck any potato that is sprouting in a hole and see if it goes. You’ll probably get some food, because life is stubborn – but the quantity and quality will both be a gamble.
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Cedar Planters replied:
Thank you Deanne , growing potatoes can always be a fun experiment for sure, you are right. A raised garden bed makes a great place to start growing them !
Why can’t you use store bought potatoes? I mean I have a bag of them and they are all sprouting “eyes” so why can’t I plant those
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Cedar Planters replied:
Hi Catherine,
You can plant them if you would like, but store-bought potatoes are often treated with chemicals to prevent growth, which can lead to a poor harvest. Additionally, they can carry soil diseases that aren’t harmful to eat but could permanently contaminate soil. If you want to try it anyway, it can always be a fun experiment, and using organic potatoes is a great bet since they aren’t sprayed with those growth suppressants.
Happy Planting!
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