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Agriculture & Natural Resources Updates for Fannin & Gilmer Counties

Though Punxsutawney Phil has predicted 6 more weeks of winter, there are some cool season crops that are coming into season. Potatoes, for example, can be planted as early as four to six weeks prior to the last frost of the season. Last year, the last true frost happened on May 10th but in 2019 the last frost was on April 3rd, so you can see there can be some variability on when the last frost date occurs. Take this into consideration when planning your planting date.

In Georgia, we primarily grow Irish potatoes or as my mother calls them, “new potatoes,” which are a type of thin-skinned potato. Avoid planting the thick-skinned, russet-types, as they are not well adapted to the southeastern growing environment. Ultimately, the variety that you choose comes down to personal taste. Most folks are familiar with the red and yellow skinned varieties that may have white, yellow or pink colored flesh, but there are also purple varieties. If you’re on the more adventurous end of the culinary spectrum, then you may wish to plant multiple varieties.

Another thing to know about potatoes is they are not grown from true seeds. Rather, we plant potatoes as “seed pieces.” Instead of using leftovers from last season’s crop, I recommend purchasing fresh, disease-free seed stock from a reputable source. Once you’ve received your order, you will need to cut them into seed pieces. Each piece should have at least two “eyes” and weigh about 1.5 to 2 ounces. Do not use any potatoes showing any internal damage or signs of disease. Before planting your seed pieces, allow them to dry and heal over for a day.

The “eyes” on a ‘Yukon Gold’ seed potato beginning to sprout. Photo by NC State Extension, Charlotte Glen

Overall, potatoes are not a fussy crop and can be grow in a wide variety of soils; however, they will perform best when planted in a well-drained soil amended with organic matter. A pH of around 5.5 suits potatoes fine. Apply any needed organic matter, such as manure or compost in the early spring and incorporate it thoroughly into the soil.

In the garden, plant seed pieces 4 to 6-inches deep and 10 inches apart in the row, with two to three feet between rows. When the sprouts are out of the ground at about 6 inches high, begin hilling soil around them, taking care to not injure their roots when digging around them. Mulch to help prevent sunlight from penetrating down to the crop. Potatoes that develop in sunlight will be green and unpalatable.

If drainage is a problem for you, raised beds are a good option, but potatoes can also be grown in containers that are at least two feet deep. When planting in containers, leave at least a 6 to 8-inch gap between the top of the container and soil level so you can hill-up the potatoes as they grow by adding more soil around the stems.

You can begin harvesting your young “new potatoes” when flowers appear. To check on maturity, you may remove the first young potatoes near the soil surface, leaving the rest of the crop to mature for later harvest. When plants begin to turn yellow and fade, carefully dig potatoes with a shovel or pitchfork, taking care not to puncture the tubers. After harvest, spread the potatoes on dry ground for several hours to allow them to dry off. Store potatoes in a dark, cool place and out of direct sunlight. Only wash those you’re planning to eat to prolong storability.

If you’d like more information on how to grow potatoes, as well as cultivar recommendations, check our UGA Extension Circular 1011: Home Garden Potatoes.

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