Garden How TO
PLANTING POTATOES IN THE FALL IN WARMER CLIMATES
Potatoes are a cool-to-warm-season crop. For most home gardeners, that means planting them in the spring and harvesting them in late summer. If, however, you live somewhere that has a really hot summer, you’re better off growing your potatoes in the spring and fall .
1. Count Backward from Your First Frost Date to Determine Planting Time
Look up when your average first frost of the season is in your area. Count backward 60 to 75 days.
2. Plant Early Potato Varieties
Look for fast-growing types of potatoes that are ready to harvest in 12 weeks or less. These are typically called early potatoes.
3. Harvest Before the Arrival of Frost
If you see that a heavy frost is in the forecast, it’s a good idea to grab your pitchfork and start digging up those potatoes before the freeze hits.
1. Sprout Your Own Potatoes for Planting
You’re not likely to find seed potatoes at your local nursery in the fall, but that’s nothing to worry about. You can plant potatoes that sprouted in your pantry over the warm summer months, or you can prepare small organic potatoes from the grocery store.
2. Use Whole Potatoes for Planting
Instead of cutting potatoes into smaller pieces for planting, you’ll want to keep potatoes whole if you’re planting them in the fall.
3. Get Potatoes in the Ground Before the First Frost
The best time for fall planting is just before your first frost of the fall or winter. You’ll need to be able to dig in the ground before it freezes over.
4. Plant Potatoes Deep in the Ground
You’ll need to plant in the ground instead of in raised beds, containers, or grow bags. Aim to plant each little potato about 8 to 10 inches deep to keep them warm.
5. Cover the Potato Planting Area in Mulch or Leaves
You want to create a nice layer of protection from heavy rain and snow for your potatoes—but not a thick enough layer that potatoes stay warm and think it’s spring already.
HOW TO PLANT POTATOES IN THE FALL
1. Prep the Planting Area 2. Dig a Trench 3. Place Whole Potatoes in the Trench 4. Cover 5. Water
Learn more about growing fall potatoes, from planting to harvesting by swiping up below. Happy Potato Growing!
I’ve spent the last decade teaching my followers how to grow their own food. Growing veggies doesn't always mean you need a ton of space. Learn more about growing potatoes by tapping the link below.