As we approach the planting season, it is the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for potatoes. This is the time of year when most home gardeners begin planting Irish potatoes. Potatoes can sprout at soil temperatures of around 45°F, but they grow best at 50°F. If you are in this part of the state, waiting until around March 10th is ideal.
When selecting seed potatoes, it is best to use pieces with 1-2 eyes. More than that can affect yields, and fewer eyes may result in poor plant growth. Plant seed pieces about 4-5 inches deep with a 10-inch spacing between plants. Although not strictly necessary, most gardeners prefer to bed their potatoes, which gives the tubers room to grow and makes harvesting more efficient.
If you have been planting potatoes year after year, it is important to rotate crops. Beans (or peas), squash, and corn are good options. Potatoes belong to the same family as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which means they share many of the same diseases and pests.
Early on, potatoes do not need much water. However, once the foliage is fully grown (around mid-May to July), they will need more water. The amount depends on your soil type—lighter soil typically needs more frequent watering than heavier soils. As the plants mature and the bottom leaves begin to yellow, reduce, or stop watering altogether to prevent late-season rot and improve storage quality.
Potatoes thrive in soil with a slightly acidic pH of about 5.5. For fertilizer, you can apply around 20 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer or 12 pounds of 10-10-10 per 1000 ft2, to cover half of your seasonal needs. Work it into the top 6-8 inches of soil. Be cautious with nitrogen, as too much can promote excessive top growth, increase disease risk, and delay tuber development. The second half of your fertilizer can be applied around mid-May when you begin irrigation.
Wondering how to figure out how much fertilizer your potatoes need? The answer is a soil test! I highly recommend testing your soil, especially with the rising cost of fertilizers. For just less than $10, a soil test will ensure you are using the right amount for optimal growth of whatever you want to grow.
These tips should help you get started with your potato planting and set you up for a successful growing season. If you run into any problems with weeds, pests, or diseases, do not hesitate to reach out to your local extension office or contact us at 478-862-5496, 478-825-6466 or mackiv@uga.edu.
