Growing Potatoes at Home: From Seed Potato to Harvest & Storage

Americans eat ~30 lbs potatoes/year. Homegrown beat store-bought for flavor and variety.

Start Right

Buy certified seed potatoes (nurseries/garden centers). Supermarket potatoes treated with growth retardants.

10-14 days pre-plant: warm area for sprouting. 1-2 days before: cut into 2-3 eye pieces (larger = more starter energy).

Planting & Care

• 1-2 weeks before last frost; full sun site.
• Loose, well-drained soil; rows 2.5-3 ft apart.
• Plant pieces 15" apart, cut side down.
• Frost protection: cover with straw/blanket.
• Hill soil/mulch/black plastic weekly—prevents green (toxic) tubers.
• Water well, especially at flowering (tuber formation). Morning watering prevents fungal disease.
• Fertilize biweekly with root-crop formula.
• Potato beetle: control with vigilance.

Harvest & Storage

Foliage yellows/dies → stop watering. 2 weeks later: harvest. Or "new potatoes" anytime. Cure few days in dry, cool area for winter storage.