Where to Plant Potatoes
Plant potatoes where they will receive full sun, and choose and well-drained, acidic soil. Avoid planting in the same spot in which peppers, eggplants, or tomatoes were grown in the previous season, as potatoes are particularly susceptible to diseases carried by those plants.
Plant Potatoes from Seed Pieces
Potatoes need fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare in-ground garden soil by mixing 3 inches ofMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soilinto the top 6 inches of native soil. Enriched with aged compost, this will give potatoes a head start on nutrition. If you plan to grow your potatoes in raised beds, fill them withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix, which is 100 percent organic and provides the right foundation for growing plants in this way. For container growing, get great results by filling pots withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose Container Mix.
Potatoes grow best in acidic soils with a pH of 4.8 to 5.5. Test soil with a soil kit and adjust the pH if necessary. (Your local extension agency can tell you how).
How to Plant Potatoes
Cut seed potatoes into 1- to 2-inch squares with two to three eyes (bud sprouts) per piece, then allow them to dry for a couple of days before planting. Plant seed potatoes 12 to 18 inches apart and four inches deep. The eyes should be facing up and the cut side facing down. If planting in-ground, space rows 24 to 36 inches apart to leave room for hilling (see below) and walking between the plants.
How to Water Potatoes
Potatoes need consistent moisture, though you never want the soil to be soggy. Water plants once or twice per week, providing one to two inches of water in total. The most critical period for watering is when plants are in bloom. Be sure to water around the base of the plants, not on the leaves.
How to Hill Potatoes
Hilling potatoes keeps sunlight from reaching developing tubers and turning them green. (Green parts of potatoes contain a natural toxin called solanine and should not be eaten.) Hill potatoes by piling additional soil or potting mix halfway up around the stems when plants are about 6-8 inches tall. Continue to hill every three weeks or so, until the plants start to bloom.
How to Feed Potatoes
While nutrient-rich soil will give potato plants a strong start, for best results, you'll also want to fertilize them regularly during the growing season. Begin feeding withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granulesa month after planting to give plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and produce lots of potatoes for you to harvest. Make sure to follow all label directions.
How to Troubleshoot When Growing Potatoes
Potatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Use floating row covers to protect plants from flea beetles and Colorado potato beetles early in the season, then remove covers just before plants start to bloom. Fungal and bacterial problems are best prevented by giving the plants good care: avoid watering the leaves, provide good airflow, and ensure that the pH level of the soil isn’t too high.
