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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08 Sep 13, Keith (Australia - temperate climate)
Potatoes do not transfer well leave them until finished
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31 Aug 13, Sheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing potatoes in straw and mulch in a raised garden bed - after I harvest the potatoes what can I grow in the leftover straw/mulch?
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17 Sep 13, Catherine (Australia - temperate climate)
You can grow anything - except tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant which are all in the same family as potatoes (and apparently I read no strawberries as well - root rot). Just turn over some compost or manure in it. About now you might want to get your summer crops going. You can grow lettuce, silverbeet, beetroot, radish, spring onions, beans, sorrel, cabbage, kale, corn etc. :) Gardenate has a list of what to plant for your region. Make sure you mulch! Good luck!
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31 Aug 13, Frank Hughes (Australia - temperate climate)
hi I have just tried to grow some potatoes, not very successful I am afraid. I think I may have planted them to early. can I now plant some potatoes in the same soil I have just taken my others out? thank's.. i am in the South West of Australia. by the beach
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06 Aug 13, Annie Bate (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow potatoes that were bought from a supermarket last year. I would like to grow them in a pot.
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12 Aug 13, toby (Australia - temperate climate)
I always use potatoes that were bought from the market.Ijust leave a few in the window until they shoot,then cut them in about four pieces leaving a shoot on each.
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03 Aug 13, leanne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
If your potatoes are still in the ground and light has turned the tops green are they still alright to cover with earth or should you throw them away?
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16 Aug 13, Judy K. (Australia - temperate climate)
Do not eat the green potato, it is toxic.
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28 Jul 13, Anita (Australia - temperate climate)
? Can I grow potatoes in my garden with just home compost ? I do this but they grow slow ,can you tell me if this is o k Thank you ANITA
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30 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
IS IT OK TO USE BLOOD & BONE ON MY POTATOES ?
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Showing 591 - 600 of 831 comments
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I live in Zone 10A and have been growing russet and golden potatoes in grow bags and large containers here for about three years, and I notice I can plant them year-round and they will grow, just slower in winter, and if we get an occasional frost, it may kill the top, and when temps hit around 100 or hotter the potato tops may die off also. No matter what time of year, my potatoes often grow for a few months and then the tops start to die off no matter the season or conditions, but I don't know why, so when that happens, I'll reduce the watering for a couple weeks and then harvest. I try to do "succession" planting, so I always have some potatoes growing, and am still experimenting with what works best, especially trying to learn more about correct watering for the Zone 10A conditions. I do have better success, producing more and larger potatoes, with 10-20 gallon and larger containers than the 7-gallon fabric grow bags.

- dz

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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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