When to Plant Potatoes in Tennessee: A Guide for Gardeners

When Do You Plant Potatoes In Tennessee?

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are also a relatively easy crop to grow, making them a great option for home gardeners. However, in order to get the best results, it is important to plant potatoes at the right time.

The ideal time to plant potatoes in Tennessee is in early April, once the soil has warmed up to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plant potatoes too early, they may rot in the ground. If you plant them too late, they may not have enough time to mature before the first frost.

When planting potatoes, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The soil should be dug up to a depth of about 12 inches and amended with compost or manure. Potatoes should be planted about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart.

Once the potatoes have been planted, they should be watered regularly. The plants will need about 1 inch of water per week. It is also important to hill up the soil around the plants as they grow to help protect them from pests and diseases.

Potatoes will be ready to harvest in about 90 days. To harvest potatoes, simply dig them up carefully with a garden fork. Be sure to leave a few inches of the stem attached to the potato so that it can cure properly.

Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including mashed potatoes, french fries, and potato salad.

Month	When to Plant	When to Harvest
March	After last frost date	June-July
April	After last frost date	July-August
May	After last frost date	August-September

Growing Season in Tennessee

The growing season in Tennessee is long and warm, making it ideal for growing a variety of crops, including potatoes. The average frost dates range from March 15 in the northern part of the state to April 15 in the southern part. The length of the growing season is typically between 150 and 170 days.

The soil temperature is also important for growing potatoes. Potatoes should be planted when the soil temperature has reached 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs in late April or early May.

Tennessee is divided into five climate zones, which are based on average annual temperature and precipitation. The climate zones are as follows:

• Zone 5a: Northernmost part of the state, with an average annual temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit and 36 inches of precipitation.
• Zone 5b: Central part of the state, with an average annual temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit and 42 inches of precipitation.
• Zone 6a: Southeastern part of the state, with an average annual temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and 48 inches of precipitation.
• Zone 6b: Southwestern part of the state, with an average annual temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 54 inches of precipitation.
• Zone 7a: South-central part of the state, with an average annual temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 inches of precipitation.

The different climate zones in Tennessee allow for a variety of potato varieties to be grown. Early varieties can be planted in the northern part of the state in late April, while late varieties can be planted in the southern part of the state in early June.

Varieties of Potatoes for Tennessee

There are many different varieties of potatoes that can be grown in Tennessee. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Early varieties:
• ‘Red Norland’
• ‘Early Kennebec’
• ‘Early Rose’
• Mid-season varieties:
• ‘Yukon Gold’
• ‘Russet Burbank’
• ‘White Rose’
• Late varieties:
• ‘La Ratte’
• ‘Purple Peruvian’
• ‘All Blue’

When choosing a variety of potato to grow in Tennessee, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The climate zone in which you are growing the potatoes.
• The maturity date of the variety.
• The desired size and shape of the potatoes.
• The resistance of the variety to pests and diseases.

By considering these factors, you can choose a variety of potato that is best suited for your growing conditions and preferences.

The growing season in Tennessee is long and warm, making it ideal for growing a variety of potatoes. The different climate zones in the state allow for a variety of potato varieties to be grown, from early varieties to late varieties. By choosing a variety of potato that is best suited for your growing conditions and preferences, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown potatoes all season long.

3. Planting Potatoes in Tennessee

• When to plant

The best time to plant potatoes in Tennessee is in early spring, after the last frost date. Potatoes are a cool-weather crop, and they will not grow well if the soil is too warm.

• How to plant

To plant potatoes, you will need to dig a trench about 6 inches deep. Place the potatoes about 12 inches apart in the trench, with the eyes facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil, and water well.

• Depth to plant

Potatoes should be planted about 6 inches deep. If you plant them too shallow, they will be exposed to the sun and will not grow well. If you plant them too deep, they will not be able to get enough water and nutrients.

• Spacing between plants

Potatoes should be spaced about 12 inches apart. If you plant them too close together, they will compete for water and nutrients, and they will not grow as well.

4. Caring for Potatoes in Tennessee

• Watering

Potatoes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the potatoes deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

• Fertilizing

Potatoes benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the potatoes every two weeks, or as directed on the fertilizer label.

• Pest control

Potatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, Colorado potato beetles, and potato blight. To control pests, you can use organic pesticides, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also hand-pick pests off of the plants.

• Disease control

Potatoes are also susceptible to a variety of diseases, including late blight, powdery mildew, and black rot. To control diseases, you can practice good crop rotation, remove infected plants, and spray the plants with fungicides.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown in Tennessee. By following these tips, you can grow healthy and productive potato plants.

When do you plant potatoes in Tennessee?

Potatoes are a cool-weather crop that can be planted in Tennessee from early April to late May. The ideal soil temperature for planting potatoes is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

How deep do you plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted about 2 inches deep.

How far apart should you plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted about 12 inches apart.

How much water do potatoes need?

Potatoes need about 1 inch of water per week.

When do you harvest potatoes?

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are firm and the flesh is white. The best time to harvest potatoes is when the foliage has started to turn yellow.

How do you store potatoes?

Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

What are some common problems with growing potatoes?

Potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including potato blight, scab, and nematodes. It is important to take steps to protect your potatoes from these pests and diseases.

How can I grow healthy potatoes?

There are a number of things you can do to grow healthy potatoes, including:

• Choosing the right variety of potato for your climate
• Preparing the soil properly
• Planting potatoes at the right depth and spacing
• Watering potatoes regularly
• Fertilizing potatoes according to the package directions
• Protecting potatoes from pests and diseases

By following these tips, you can grow healthy potatoes that will provide you with delicious meals all season long.

When to plant potatoes in Tennessee depends on the variety of potato you are planting. Early varieties can be planted as early as March, while late varieties should be planted in April or May. The best time to plant potatoes is when the soil has warmed to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. You can plant potatoes in hills or rows. Hilling up the soil around the plants helps to prevent the tubers from rotting. Potatoes need regular watering, but do not overwater them. They should be harvested when the skins are firm and the flesh is firm and white.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when planting potatoes in Tennessee:

• Choose a variety of potato that is suitable for your climate.
• Plant potatoes in hills or rows.
• Hill up the soil around the plants to prevent the tubers from rotting.
• Water the potatoes regularly, but do not overwater them.
• Harvest the potatoes when the skins are firm and the flesh is firm and white.