Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P              

(Best months for growing Potato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant seed potatoes
  • Plant tuber. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Dig carefully, avoid damaging the potatoes.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Brassicas, Sweetcorn, Broad Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
  • Avoid growing close to: Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sunflowers, Tomatoes, Rosemary

Your comments and tips

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14 Jul 16, Selma (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Is it to late In the season to start potatoes in zone 10b?
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14 Jul 16, Ian (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi we live in Vanuatu south pacific and I was hoping to grow some spuds , we grow kumala here but some white potatoes would be a nice addition. Any thoughts Thanks Ian
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26 Jul 16, Trish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Ian, I'm no expert, but I think that your climate is too tropical for potatoes. I've tried in the past in Brisbane & Gold Coast in the winter, but they quickly rot. I think sweet potatoes are the way to go.
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12 Jul 16, Harry (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying some spouted spuds, planting now July in Sydney.
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23 May 16, I live in cape town where would I get seeded potatos (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I live in cape town I want to grow potatos indoors as its almost winter can I and how to maintain and keep it growing?thanks
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15 May 16, masasa Binns (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where do I get potato seedlings in free state rsa am in Lesotho
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14 May 16, AGOES SOEDJARWO (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When the best month to grow potatoes in Katoomba Blue Mountains? Thank you Regards AWS
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01 May 16, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is there anything one can LINE a tyre with so that the metals cannot be leached from them?
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12 May 16, janine (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Ive used Tyres and you don't need to line them and we and the potatoes are very safe to eat my grandfather has been using tyres for ever and they don't leach any metals>
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27 Mar 16, Julia (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can I get Dutch cream potatoes in NZ? I want to plant them.
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Showing 451 - 460 of 831 comments
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That's a big subject! I'd say it depends on what you're trying to achieve. Do you just want a few really good veggies? Do you want to grow as much of your daily food as possible? Does your garden need to be aesthetically pleasing? There are lots of books on container gardening, you could try browsing your local library online. If space is limited, I say think about which veggies you love the most, which are pricey at the store, and which are most improved by eating fresh. Basil and salad greens for instance, are very easy to grow but very overpriced at the store. Corn and tomatoes are so much better homegrown. Whereas potatoes and onions are cheap at the store and not THAT much better homegrown so they're only worth it if you have plenty of space to devote. My advice for a beginner would be to start small and manageable, and build on that each year. Maybe this year buy a couple of Earthboxes or DIY a knockoff, and just grow a few of your favorite veggies. This will also reveal what some of your challenges might be. For instance my first year raccoons ate all my sweet corn, that taught me I would need a good fence in the future. ;-)

- colleen

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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