How to Plant Potatoes: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Plant potatoes successfully by preparing seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before planting, planting them 3-4 inches deep in loose, well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 12-15 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart, and hilling soil around stems as they grow. Harvest 2-3 weeks after plants die back for mature potatoes.

Why This Potato Planting Method Works

Planting potatoes correctly transforms your garden into a reliable food source. Unlike store-bought potatoes (which often contain sprout inhibitors), certified seed potatoes produce vigorous plants with predictable yields. The hilling technique—which involves mounding soil around growing stems—creates additional tuber-growing space while protecting developing potatoes from sunlight that causes greening.

Potato Type	Days to Maturity	Best Use	Planting Depth
Yukon Gold	70-90	All-purpose	4 inches
Russet Burbank	90-120	Baking	5 inches
Red Bliss	70-85	Boiling	3 inches
Fingerling	80-100	Roasting	3 inches

Your Potato Planting Timeline: From Preparation to Harvest

Successful potato growing follows a precise seasonal rhythm. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, timing your planting around soil temperature and frost dates determines your harvest success. Here's what experienced gardeners follow:

• 6-8 weeks before planting: Order certified seed potatoes (never use grocery store potatoes)
• 2-3 weeks before planting: Chit (pre-sprout) seed potatoes in a cool, bright location
• Planting time: When soil reaches 45-50°F (7-10°C), typically 2-4 weeks before last frost
• 4-6 weeks after planting: Begin hilling when stems reach 6-8 inches tall
• Flowering stage: Critical period for consistent moisture (about 60 days after planting)
• Harvest time: 2-3 weeks after plant foliage dies back completely

Preparing Your Seed Potatoes Properly

Chitting—allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting—gives your crop a crucial head start. Cut larger potatoes into 1.5-2 inch chunks with at least 2 eyes per piece 2-3 days before planting, then let cut surfaces callous over. This prevents rotting in cool, moist soil. Smaller seed potatoes (under 2 inches) can be planted whole.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation for Healthy Potatoes

Potatoes thrive in loose, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5) with excellent drainage. Amend heavy clay soils with 3-4 inches of compost and coarse sand. Raised beds work exceptionally well for potato growing, improving drainage and warming soil faster in spring. Avoid fresh manure which can cause scab disease—use well-rotted compost instead.

Planting Techniques for Maximum Yield

Dig trenches 3-5 inches deep depending on your potato variety. Place seed pieces eyes-up, spacing them 12-15 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Cover with 3-4 inches of soil and water thoroughly. For container growing, use 15-20 gallon pots filled with 6 inches of potting mix, adding more soil as plants grow.

The Critical Hilling Process Explained

When potato plants reach 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the base, leaving only the top leaves exposed. Repeat this hilling process every 2-3 weeks as plants grow, creating ridges 6-8 inches tall. This technique:

• Prevents tubers from greening due to sun exposure
• Creates additional space for tuber development
• Suppresses competing weeds
• Improves drainage around developing potatoes

Watering and Care Schedule

Consistent moisture is critical during tuber formation (when plants flower). Water deeply 1-2 times weekly to maintain even soil moisture—about 1-2 inches per week. Reduce watering 2-3 weeks before harvest to toughen skins for storage. Never let plants wilt completely, as this causes knobby, misshapen potatoes.

Avoid These Common Potato Planting Mistakes

Based on Penn State Extension research, these errors reduce yields by 30-50%:

• Planting too early in cold, wet soil (causes rot)
• Using grocery store potatoes (treated to prevent sprouting)
• Planting too shallow (exposes tubers to sunlight)
• Over-fertilizing with nitrogen (promotes foliage over tubers)
• Skipping hilling (reduces yield by 40% according to Cornell studies)

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Dig mature potatoes 2-3 weeks after foliage dies back using a digging fork to avoid punctures. Cure harvested potatoes in a dark, humid location (50-60°F) for 10-14 days before storage. Store in complete darkness at 45-50°F with high humidity—never refrigerate. Properly stored potatoes last 4-6 months.

Can I plant potatoes from store-bought potatoes?

No, grocery store potatoes often contain sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes for planting.

How deep should I plant potatoes?

Plant seed potatoes 3-5 inches deep depending on variety—earlier plantings in cooler soil should be shallower (3 inches), while later plantings can go deeper (5 inches).

When should I stop watering potatoes before harvest?

Reduce watering 2-3 weeks before harvest when foliage begins yellowing. This allows skins to toughen for better storage.

Why are my potatoes small and misshapen?

Inconsistent watering during tuber formation causes knobby potatoes. Maintain even soil moisture, especially during flowering, and avoid disturbing roots during hilling.

How often should I hill potato plants?

Hill when plants reach 6-8 inches tall, then repeat every 2-3 weeks as they grow, creating ridges 6-8 inches tall. Stop hilling when plants begin flowering.