When to Plant Potatoes in East Tennessee: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Potatoes in East Tennessee

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are also relatively easy to grow, making them a great option for gardeners of all skill levels. However, before you can start planting potatoes, you need to know when to do it. The ideal time to plant potatoes in East Tennessee is in early April, after the last frost. This will give the potatoes plenty of time to grow before the summer heat sets in.

In this article, we will discuss the best time to plant potatoes in East Tennessee, as well as the steps involved in growing potatoes successfully. We will also provide tips on how to deal with pests and diseases, and how to harvest and store your potatoes. So whether you are a new gardener or you are simply looking to improve your potato-growing skills, read on for all the information you need to know!

Month	Best Time to Plant	Tips
March	Early March	Start potatoes indoors in early March, and transplant them outdoors after the last frost date.
April	Mid-April	Plant potatoes outdoors in mid-April, after the soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
May	Late May	Plant potatoes outdoors in late May, after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

When to plant potatoes in East Tennessee depends on a number of factors, including:

• Soil temperature. Potatoes need warm soil to germinate, so you should wait until the soil temperature has reached at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the soil temperature by inserting a soil thermometer into the ground about 6 inches deep.
• Last frost date. The last frost date in East Tennessee is typically around April 15. However, it’s important to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting potatoes, as frost can damage or kill the plants.
• Varieties of potatoes. Some varieties of potatoes are more cold-tolerant than others, so you may be able to plant them earlier in the season if you choose a cold-tolerant variety.
• Growing conditions. The amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available will also affect when you can plant potatoes. If you have a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden, you can plant potatoes earlier in the season than if you have a shady, poorly-drained spot.

How to Plant Potatoes

Once you’ve chosen a planting date, you can start planting your potatoes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Prepare the soil. Potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or compacted, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand. You should also work in a generous amount of organic fertilizer to help the potatoes grow.
2. Plant the potatoes. Potatoes are typically planted about 12 inches apart and 2 inches deep. You can plant them in rows or hills. If you’re planting in rows, space the rows about 3 feet apart. If you’re planting in hills, build the hills about 6 inches high and 12 inches wide.
3. Water and fertilize the potatoes. Potatoes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. You should also fertilize the potatoes every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
4. Protect the potatoes from pests and diseases. Potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including potato beetles, blight, and scab. You can protect your potatoes from pests and diseases by spraying them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil, and by rotating crops.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown in East Tennessee. By following these tips, you can successfully grow potatoes in your own garden.

Additional tips:

• Start your potatoes indoors. If you want to get a head start on the growing season, you can start your potatoes indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date. To do this, plant the potatoes in peat pots or seed trays filled with potting soil. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.
• Hill up the potatoes. As the potatoes grow, you should hill up the soil around them. This will help to protect the potatoes from frost and pests, and it will also help to improve drainage.
• Harvest the potatoes when they’re mature. Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm. You can harvest the potatoes by digging them up with a garden fork. Be careful not to damage the potatoes, as this can lead to rot.

References:

• [University of Tennessee Extension: Growing Potatoes](https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/W620.pdf)

When to Harvest Potatoes

The best time to harvest potatoes depends on the variety you are growing. Some varieties are ready to harvest in as little as 70 days, while others may take up to 120 days. The following are some general guidelines for when to harvest potatoes:

• Early-season varieties: These varieties are ready to harvest in 70-80 days. They are typically small and have a thin skin. Some popular early-season varieties include ‘Early Rose’, ‘Red Norland’, and ‘Yukon Gold’.
• Mid-season varieties: These varieties are ready to harvest in 80-90 days. They are typically larger and have a thicker skin than early-season varieties. Some popular mid-season varieties include ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Russet Burbank’, and ‘La Ratte’.
• Late-season varieties: These varieties are ready to harvest in 90-120 days. They are typically the largest and have the thickest skin of all the varieties. Some popular late-season varieties include ‘King Edward’, ‘Desiree’, and ‘Cara’.

To determine if your potatoes are ready to harvest, dig up a few potatoes and examine them. The skins should be firm and the flesh should be white and firm. If the potatoes are still green, they are not yet ripe.

Once you have harvested your potatoes, store them in a cool, dark place. They will keep for several months if stored properly.

Storing Potatoes

Potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too warm, the potatoes will start to sprout. If the temperature is too cold, the potatoes will become sweet.

Potatoes can be stored in a variety of containers, including wooden boxes, plastic bins, and paper bags. If you are storing potatoes in a wooden box or plastic bin, make sure to line the container with newspaper or straw to prevent the potatoes from rotting. If you are storing potatoes in paper bags, make sure to leave the bags open to allow for air circulation.

Potatoes should be stored away from onions and fruits. Onions and fruits produce ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout.

Potatoes should be checked regularly for signs of spoilage. If you see any soft spots, mold, or sprouts, discard the potatoes immediately.

Troubleshooting

Potatoes can be affected by a number of problems, including:

• Potato blight: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to turn black and the potatoes to rot. Potato blight is spread by spores that are carried in the wind. To prevent potato blight, plant resistant varieties of potatoes, rotate your crops, and water your potatoes regularly.
• Early blight: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to turn brown and the potatoes to develop dark spots. Early blight is spread by spores that are carried in the wind. To prevent early blight, plant resistant varieties of potatoes, rotate your crops, and water your potatoes regularly.
• Late blight: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to turn yellow and the potatoes to rot. Late blight is spread by spores that are carried in the wind. To prevent late blight, plant resistant varieties of potatoes, rotate your crops, and water your potatoes regularly.
• Potato scab: This is a fungal disease that causes the skin of potatoes to develop scabs. Potato scab is spread by spores that are carried in the soil. To prevent potato scab, rotate your crops, avoid planting potatoes in the same spot year after year, and water your potatoes regularly.
• Wireworms: These are small, slender worms that feed on the roots of potatoes. Wireworms can cause potatoes to wilt and die. To prevent wireworms, rotate your crops, avoid planting potatoes in the same spot year after year, and apply a soil insecticide before planting.
• Gophers: These rodents can burrow into potato fields and eat the potatoes. To prevent gophers, install a gopher fence around your potato field.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. By following these tips, you can successfully grow and harvest potatoes in East Tennessee.

When is the best time to plant potatoes in East Tennessee?

Potatoes are a cool-weather crop that should be planted in early spring, after the last frost date. In East Tennessee, the last frost date typically occurs in late March or early April. So, the best time to plant potatoes in East Tennessee is between mid-April and early May.

What variety of potatoes should I plant?

There are many different varieties of potatoes available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the best varieties for East Tennessee include:

• Yukon Gold: A popular all-purpose variety that is known for its creamy texture and yellow flesh.
• Russet Burbank: A large, starchy variety that is ideal for baking and frying.
• Red Pontiac: A medium-sized variety with a thin skin and red flesh.
• White Rose: A small, waxy variety that is perfect for salads and soups.

When choosing a variety of potatoes to plant, consider the climate in your area, the intended use for the potatoes, and your personal preferences.

How deep should I plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted about 2 inches deep. If you plant them too shallow, the tubers will be exposed to the sun and will turn green, which is toxic. If you plant them too deep, the tubers will have difficulty developing.

How much space should I leave between plants?

Potatoes should be spaced about 12 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and develop properly.

How much water do potatoes need?

Potatoes need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

How do I know when potatoes are ready to harvest?

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are firm and the flesh is firm and white. You can also check for maturity by gently squeezing the tubers. If they feel firm, they are ready to harvest.

How do I store potatoes after harvest?

Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 45F and 55F. You can store potatoes in a root cellar, basement, or even in a cool closet. Just be sure to keep them away from sunlight and heat.

What are some common problems with growing potatoes?

There are a few common problems that can occur when growing potatoes. These include:

• Potato blight: This is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to turn brown and wilt. It can also spread to the tubers, causing them to rot.
• Early blight: This is another fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to develop dark, water-soaked spots. It can also spread to the tubers, causing them to rot.
• Late blight: This is a serious fungal disease that can cause the leaves of potatoes to turn black and die. It can also spread to the tubers, causing them to rot.
• Wireworms: These are small, white worms that feed on the roots of potatoes. They can cause the plants to wilt and die.
• Cutworms: These are small, brown caterpillars that cut the stems of potatoes, causing the plants to wilt and die.

To prevent these problems, it is important to:

• Plant potatoes in a well-drained location.
• Rotate crops so that potatoes are not planted in the same location year after year.
• Practice good sanitation by removing all infected plants and debris from the garden.
• Use resistant varieties of potatoes.
• Apply pesticides and fungicides as needed.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your potatoes from pests and diseases and ensure a successful harvest.

When to plant potatoes in East Tennessee depends on a few factors, including the last frost date, the variety of potato you are planting, and your personal growing preferences.

The ideal time to plant potatoes in East Tennessee is after the last frost date, which typically falls in late April or early May. However, you can also plant potatoes earlier if you cover them with a frost cloth or row cover.

When choosing a variety of potato to plant, keep in mind that some varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. Early varieties, such as ‘Early Girl’ and ‘Red Norland,’ can be planted a few weeks before the last frost date. Late varieties, such as ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Russet Burbank,’ should be planted after the last frost date.

You can also choose to grow potatoes in containers, which allows you to start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost date. This can be a great option if you live in an area with a short growing season.

No matter how you choose to grow your potatoes, make sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes from your own garden all summer long.

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

• The ideal time to plant potatoes is after the last frost date, which typically falls in late April or early May.
• Early varieties of potatoes can be planted a few weeks before the last frost date.
• Late varieties of potatoes should be planted after the last frost date.
• You can also choose to grow potatoes in containers, which allows you to start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost date.
• Make sure to provide your potatoes with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer.

With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes from your own garden all summer long.