Growing Potato

Solanum tuberosum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Potato in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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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01 Sep 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
April May if you had checked the planting guide here.
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22 Aug 21, Sue (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
When best to plant potatoes in Turangi - still pretty cold down here at moment - do I wait until September or maybe later?
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24 Aug 21, Tony (New Zealand - temperate climate)
the issues to consider are: Do you have chitted seed? When is last frost date? When does the psyllid bug become active (usually around December) Even if you plant now they will just sit until conditions are good. You can make earthed up rows and plant into that rather than in cold hard soil.
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17 Aug 21, Stephen Stallard (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy any English Variety "New Potatoes" for planting in our Home Garden. Any ideas would be very much appreciated. Many thanks. Stephen
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29 Aug 21, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Try an on-line search where to buy it.
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07 Aug 21, Elaine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
How best can I use, an old bag of coffee grinds in the garden.
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01 Sep 21, Janet (Australia - temperate climate)
We had tomato and capsicum plants that were growing really nicely and promising in big pots with organic potting soil, compost and fertiliser. When we heard about coffee grounds and applied them, it really set these plants back (visibly evidenced) and they did not fruit much at all. They were our pride and joy. There are new articles on the Net about coffee grounds Not being a good idea close to our plants - there maybe a few exceptions. We would never take the risk again.
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09 Aug 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just spread it out thinly in the garden and mix into the soil. Or use it in your compost if you are making it.
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23 Jul 21, Michelle Manning (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello I live in northern NSW Australia what is the best potatoes to grow in this area ? Thanks
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06 Aug 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is more about what variety you want to eat. Five people will probably tell you 5 different varieties.
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Showing 101 - 110 of 830 comments
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Are you looking for SWEET potatoes or regular potatoes ..... I think your climate is better suited for Sweet potatoes -- they are different (different families) and therefore have different instructions: The ideal soil temperature range for planting potatoes is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius). After planting, the ideal temperature for growing potatoes is 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 degrees Celsius). Potatoes do best in fertile, well-drained soils. However, potatoes will grow in many types of soils. Soils that are poorly drained tend to produce poorly shaped potatoes and tuber rot. Potatoes do well across a wide range of pH, but prefer slightly acidic soils; a soil pH of 5.3 to 6.0 is typical for potato production. If your soil is more acidic than this, mixing in wood ash will help raise the pH and make your soil more alkaline. Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are close cousins of morning glory and only distantly related to traditional potatoes. They are tender, so must be protected from frost, and like heat, full sun and regular watering. They crop best at temperatures of 21–26°C (70–80°F) PLEASE CLARIFY which type of potato.

- Faith Celeste Archer

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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. GardenGrow 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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