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

Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date, in loose, well-draining soil with temperatures above 45°F (7°C). Cut larger seed potatoes into 1.5-2 inch pieces with at least one "eye" per piece, let them cure for 24-48 hours, then plant 3-4 inches deep with eyes facing up, spacing pieces 12-15 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Water consistently but avoid soggy soil, and hill soil around growing plants when they reach 8-10 inches tall.

There's nothing quite like harvesting your own homegrown potatoes—earthy, flavorful, and bursting with freshness you'll never find at the grocery store. Whether you're working with a sprawling backyard or just a few containers on your patio, growing potatoes is surprisingly accessible for beginners. This guide cuts through the confusion and gives you exactly what you need to know to successfully plant and grow your own potato crop, based on proven agricultural practices.

When to Plant Potatoes: Timing Is Everything

The best time to plant potatoes depends on your climate zone and frost dates. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, potatoes grow best when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C) at planting depth. In most temperate regions, this means planting 2-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.

For a continuous harvest, consider staggering your planting:

• Early-season varieties: Plant as soon as soil can be worked in spring
• Main-season varieties: Plant 2-3 weeks later for mid-summer harvest
• Late-season varieties: Plant in early summer for fall harvest

Climate Zone	Recommended Planting Window	Soil Temperature
Cold climates (Zones 3-4)	April to early May	45-55°F (7-13°C)
Moderate climates (Zones 5-7)	March to mid-April	50-60°F (10-16°C)
Warm climates (Zones 8-10)	January to February	45-55°F (7-13°C)

This planting timeline comes from data collected by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, which has tracked optimal planting conditions across North America for over 50 years.

Choosing the Right Potato Varieties for Your Garden

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to home gardening. Understanding the different types will help you select varieties that match your climate, space, and culinary preferences.

Early-season potatoes (60-80 days to maturity): These quick growers like 'Yukon Gold' and 'Red Norland' give you fresh potatoes early in the season but don't store well long-term. Perfect if you have a short growing season.

Main-season potatoes (80-100 days): Varieties like 'Kennebec' and 'Russian Banana' offer good yields and storage capabilities. These form the backbone of most home potato crops.

Late-season potatoes (100+ days): 'Russet Burbank' and 'Kerr's Pink' take longer but produce larger harvests that store exceptionally well through winter.

For beginners, we recommend starting with Yukon Gold—they're disease-resistant, productive, and versatile in the kitchen. The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources reports that Yukon Gold consistently ranks among the top-performing varieties for home gardeners across diverse climates.

Soil Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare your soil with these steps:

1. Test your soil (pH 5.0-6.5 is ideal for potatoes)
2. Add 3-4 inches of compost to improve soil structure
3. Mix in balanced organic fertilizer (5-10-10 works well)
4. Avoid fresh manure which can cause scab disease

According to agricultural research from Oregon State University Extension, potatoes grown in properly prepared soil show up to 30% higher yields and significantly fewer disease problems compared to those planted in unamended soil.

Step-by-Step Potato Planting Guide

Follow these steps for successful potato planting:

1. Select and Prepare Seed Potatoes

Use certified disease-free seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes). For larger potatoes, cut them into 1.5-2 inch chunks with at least one "eye" per piece. Let cut pieces cure at room temperature for 24-48 hours to form a protective callus.

2. Planting Depth and Spacing

Dig trenches 3-4 inches deep. Place seed potato pieces eyes-up, spacing them 12-15 inches apart. Rows should be 24-36 inches apart to allow for proper growth and hilling. This potato planting spacing guide comes from decades of agricultural research by land-grant universities across the United States.

3. Cover and Water

Cover seed potatoes with 2-3 inches of soil and water gently but thoroughly. Keep soil consistently moist (but not soggy) until sprouts emerge in 2-3 weeks.

4. Hilling Process

When plants reach 8-10 inches tall, mound soil around the base, leaving just the top leaves exposed. Repeat every 2-3 weeks as plants grow, eventually creating hills 6-8 inches tall. This prevents tubers from turning green and increases yield.

Caring for Your Potato Plants

Proper care throughout the growing season ensures a bountiful harvest:

• Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, more during dry spells. Inconsistent watering causes misshapen tubers.
• Weed control: Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid damaging shallow roots.
• Pest monitoring: Watch for Colorado potato beetles and flea beetles. The University of Minnesota Extension reports that hand-picking is often the most effective control method for home gardeners.
• Disease prevention: Rotate crops annually and avoid overhead watering to prevent blight.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Knowing when to harvest homegrown potatoes makes all the difference:

• New potatoes: Harvest 7-8 weeks after planting when plants flower
• Main crop: Wait until foliage yellows and dies back (about 2-3 weeks after flowering)

For storage, cure potatoes in a cool, dark, humid place for 10-14 days, then store at 45-50°F (7-10°C) with high humidity. Properly stored potatoes can last 6-8 months.

Troubleshooting Common Potato Problems

Even with careful planning, you might encounter these issues:

• Green tubers: Caused by sun exposure—always hill properly
• Scab: Caused by high pH or inconsistent moisture—maintain proper soil conditions
• Cracked potatoes: Result from irregular watering—maintain consistent moisture
• Poor yield: Often due to overcrowding or insufficient hilling

The National Potato Council's agricultural data shows that proper hilling technique alone can increase yields by 25-40% compared to non-hilled plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant potatoes from store-bought potatoes?

While possible, it's not recommended. Grocery store potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. Certified seed potatoes are disease-free and bred specifically for planting, giving you better yields and healthier plants.

How deep should I plant potatoes?

Plant seed potatoes 3-4 inches deep initially, then hill soil up around growing plants. The final hill should be 6-8 inches tall. Proper depth prevents tubers from turning green while allowing enough space for tuber development.

How often should I water potato plants?

Potatoes need 1-2 inches of water per week, more during hot, dry periods. Water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than daily light watering. Consistent moisture is crucial—fluctuations cause misshapen tubers and internal defects.

Why are my potato plants flowering?

Flowering indicates your plants are mature enough to start forming tubers. It's a good sign! New potatoes can be harvested once plants flower, while main crop potatoes should remain in the ground until foliage dies back for maximum size and storage quality.