Potatoes won’t start growing until the soil temperature reaches 45° F (7° C), so don’t plant the seed potatoes before the last frost. [1] X Research source
Tilling the soil will also break everything up and ensure the soil is nice and loose for the potatoes.
Use small but healthy potatoes for seed potatoes. If your seed potato is larger than a chicken egg, you can cut it in half or thirds. There should be at least two eyes or sprouts per piece. You can grow any variety of potato you like, but make sure you’re using spray-free potatoes that haven’t been treated with a sprout-inhibitor. This will prevent the potato from sprouting, and you won’t be able to grow a new plant from it.
Potatoes grown in rows in the ground will produce good yields, as long as the soil is of good quality.
Only stop watering the plants when the foliage starts to turn yellow and die back, as this means the potatoes will be ready to harvest soon. [7] X Research source
Potatoes that are exposed to sunlight produce a toxic chemical called solanine, which appears as a green layer on the outside of the tuber. [8] X Research source
New potatoes are smaller and have a more tender skin than mature ones. People will often harvest some new potatoes to create more room for the rest to mature. [14] X Research source
Depending on the type of potatoes you planted, your potatoes will be ready for harvest anywhere between 60 and 100 days from the planting date. [16] X Research source
The ideal temperature for curing potatoes is between 45 and 60 F (7 and 15. 5 C). Do not cure new potatoes, as they should be eaten within a few days of harvesting.
Never wash a potato until you’re ready to eat it. [18] X Research source
The ideal temperature for potato storage is between 35 and 40° F (1. 6 and 4. 4° C). The potatoes should last for several months under these conditions.
