Potato

Potatoes favor loose, well-drained soil at pH 5.0-6.0; slightly acidic conditions help reduce common scab. Use balanced fertilizer based on a soil test and avoid excess nitrogen, while hilling soil around stems keeps developing tubers covered.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

70–120 days

Tips

• Plant certified seed potatoes; hill plants and discard green tubers.
• Set seed pieces with at least one healthy eye 3-4 inches deep and 10-12 inches apart in cool, workable soil.
• Keep moisture steady during tuber formation, supplying about 1-2 inches weekly without waterlogging.
• Inspect leaves for Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae and remove affected plants promptly if late blight is suspected.
• Dig new potatoes after flowering or wait for vines to die back for storage potatoes, handling skins gently.

Plant certified disease-free seed tubers or healed seed pieces in spring when soil is workable and at least 45°F.

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