Why June-Planted Potatoes Fail in Georgia

A gardener planted 'Kennebec' potatoes on June 12 and harvested nothing despite healthy plants. The problem: planting time, not variety.

White potatoes need soil temperatures around 45°F to sprout properly. In Georgia, that means planting in early March (Macon) or mid-March (Atlanta). 'Kennebec' is a mid-to-late harvest variety, not a late planting one. June planting misses the cool-season window, so tubers never form.

For success, plant certified seed potatoes in early spring. See Potato Gardening in Georgia for details.