When to plant
Plant seed potatoes in early spring as soon as soil can be worked (2–4 weeks before last frost). They tolerate light frost. In mild climates, plant in late winter for an early summer harvest. Chit (pre-sprout) seed potatoes in a cool bright spot for 2–4 weeks before planting for a head start.
Soil & site
Potatoes need loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.0) — this reduces scab disease. Work soil deeply (30+ cm). Avoid lime and fresh manure which increase scab and cause lush tops with few tubers. Ridge soil up around plants (hilling) as they grow to prevent greening.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with potassium-rich fertilizer when plants are 15–20 cm tall. Avoid excess nitrogen after this point — it drives excessive top growth at the expense of tuber production. Stop all feeding when plants begin to flower.
Common problems
Colorado potato beetle (orange-yellow larvae — hand-pick daily or use spinosad spray). Late blight (dark water-soaked patches on leaves — no cure, destroy affected plants immediately, don't compost). Scab (rough patches) from alkaline soil. Wire worm damage in old turf areas. Greening from sun exposure — always cover exposed tubers with soil.
When to harvest
New (baby) potatoes are ready about 10 weeks after planting when plants are flowering. For main crop potatoes, wait until tops (haulms) die back naturally and turn brown. The skin should be set — rub a thumbnail across the skin: if it slips off easily, they're not ready.
How to harvest
Use a fork, not a spade — insert 30 cm from the plant centre and lever upward. Never thrust a fork straight down which spears tubers. Dig up the entire plant in one motion, then search the surrounding soil by hand for any escaped tubers. Cure in a cool, dark, ventilated space for 2 weeks to harden the skin before storage.
Storage & use
Cure in a dark, 10–15°C location with good air circulation for 2 weeks to harden skin. Store long-term at 4–7°C in complete darkness in paper bags or open boxes. Never refrigerate (starch converts to sugar below 4°C, making them sweet and sticky when cooked). Remove any green or sprouting potatoes from storage regularly.
Companion planting
Horseradish planted at the corners of a potato bed deters Colorado potato beetles.
Useful for growing potato
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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