Growing Potatoes: Certified Seed, Three-Year Rotation & Tuber Prep

Potatoes are productive, storable, and worth the rotation space.

Site & Soil

Full sun. Loose, light, moisture-retentive loam, pH 5.8–6.5. Adaptable but best in ideal conditions.

Rotation

Three-year cycle—need three beds for annual crops.

Timing

Early spring when workable. Soil ≥45°F. Evenly moist, not soggy. Light frost OK; protect with straw/tent.

Seed Prep

Certified disease-free seed only. Warm (60–70°F) + light 1–2 weeks to sprout. Cut large tubers to 1½″ cubes with 1–2 eyes. Callus 1–2 days. Plant small tubers whole.

Second Crop

For winter storage, plant by June 15.

Clean seed, smart rotation, proper prep = clean harvest.