Potatoes

Planting potatoes

Plant certified seed potatoes 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost when soil is about 45 F. Cut large seed pieces with 2 eyes each and let them dry a day before planting.

Planting details

• Plant 3 to 4 inches deep, eyes up
• Spacing: 10 to 12 inches in rows 2 to 3 feet apart
• Hill soil or straw around stems as they reach 8 inches

Growing requirements

Potatoes want full sun and loose, slightly acidic soil. Hilling keeps tubers covered and green-free; keep moisture steady once plants flower.

Harvesting and care

Dig new potatoes after flowering for tender skins. For storage, wait until vines die back, dig on a dry day, and cure in the dark for 2 weeks.

Common mistakes

• Letting tubers see sunlight, which turns them green and bitter
• Skipping hilling, which exposes and greens the upper tubers
• Using grocery potatoes as seed, which often rots or carries disease

Companion plants

Potatoes grow near beans and corn well enough. Rotate with tomatoes and peppers, their relatives, on a 3-year cycle to limit shared diseases.