When to Plant Potatoes in New Hampshire: A Guide

When to Plant Potatoes in NH?

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it’s important to know when to plant potatoes in NH in order to get the best results.

In this article, we’ll discuss the ideal time to plant potatoes in NH, as well as some tips for growing a successful crop. We’ll also cover some of the different varieties of potatoes that are well-suited for growing in the Granite State.

So whether you’re looking to grow potatoes for your own personal use or to sell at a farmers market, read on for all the information you need to know!

Month When to Plant When to Harvest
April After the last frost date July-September
May Early May August-October
June Mid-June September-November

When to Plant Potatoes in NH?

Potatoes are a cool-season crop that can be grown in New Hampshire from early spring to late fall. The best time to plant potatoes depends on the variety you choose, the last frost date in your area, and the growing conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

  • Soil temperature: Potatoes should be planted when the soil temperature is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the soil temperature by inserting a soil thermometer into the ground at least 6 inches deep.
  • Last frost date: The last frost date in your area is the date when the average temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit for the last time in spring. Potatoes should be planted at least two weeks after the last frost date.
  • Varieties of potatoes: Different varieties of potatoes have different maturity dates. Early-season varieties can be planted earlier in the season than late-season varieties.
  • Growing conditions: The amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients available will also affect the best time to plant potatoes.

How to Plant Potatoes

Once you have chosen a planting date, you can begin preparing your soil. Potatoes prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you will need to add compost or manure to improve drainage.

To plant potatoes, dig a trench about 6 inches deep and 3 feet wide. Place the potatoes about 12 inches apart in the trench, with the eyes facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil and water well.

Watering and Fertilizing

Potatoes need regular watering throughout the growing season. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. You should also fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Controlling Pests and Diseases

Potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including potato beetles, blight, and scab. To protect your plants, you can use row covers to keep pests off the plants, and you can spray the plants with a fungicide to prevent blight and scab.

Harvesting Potatoes

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm. You can dig up the potatoes by hand or with a potato fork. Be careful not to damage the potatoes when you are harvesting them.

Storing Potatoes

Potatoes can be stored for several months if they are properly stored. The best way to store potatoes is in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. You can also store potatoes in a root cellar or in a cool basement.

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

How to Plant Potatoes

Potatoes are a relatively easy crop to grow, but there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best results.

Preparing the Soil

Potatoes prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you will need to add compost or manure to improve drainage. You should also work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.

Planting the Potatoes

Potatoes are planted in hills. To create a hill, dig a trench about 6 inches deep and 3 feet wide. Place the potatoes about 12 inches apart in the trench, with the eyes facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil and water well.

Watering and Fertilizing

Potatoes need regular watering throughout the growing season. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. You should also fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Controlling Pests and Diseases

Potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including potato beetles, blight, and scab. To protect your plants, you can use row covers to keep pests off the plants, and you can spray the plants with a fungicide to prevent blight and scab.

Harvesting Potatoes

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm. You can dig up the potatoes by hand or with a potato fork. Be careful not to damage the potatoes when you are harvesting them.

Storing Potatoes

Potatoes can be stored for several months if they are properly stored. The best way to store potatoes is in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. You can also store potatoes in a

Harvesting Potatoes

When to harvest potatoes

The best time to harvest potatoes is when the skins are firm and the flesh is firm but not hard. The skins will start to turn from green to yellow, and the eyes will be sunken. You can also check if the potatoes are ready by gently pressing on them with your finger. If they feel soft, they are not yet ready to be harvested.

How to harvest potatoes

To harvest potatoes, carefully dig up the plants with a shovel or garden fork. Be careful not to damage the potatoes. Once the plants are out of the ground, shake off the excess dirt and remove any damaged potatoes.

Storing potatoes

Potatoes can be stored for several months if they are properly stored. The best way to store potatoes is in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. You can also store potatoes in a paper bag or cardboard box. Do not store potatoes in a plastic bag, as this will cause them to sweat and rot.

Troubleshooting

Problems with potato planting

If your potatoes do not sprout, it is likely that the soil was too cold or wet. Potatoes need warm soil to germinate, so make sure to plant them in early spring when the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also try planting your potatoes in a raised bed or container, as these will help to warm the soil up faster.

If your potatoes are sprouting but not growing, it is likely that they are not getting enough water. Potatoes need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water your potatoes deeply so that the water reaches the roots.

Problems with potato growth

If your potatoes are wilting, it is likely that they are not getting enough water. Potatoes need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water your potatoes deeply so that the water reaches the roots.

If your potatoes are turning green, it is likely that they are getting too much sun. Potatoes need shade during the day to prevent them from turning green. If your potatoes are turning green, move them to a location that gets less sun.

Problems with potato harvest

If your potatoes are not mature when you harvest them, they will not store well. Potatoes need to be mature before they are harvested, so make sure to wait until the skins are firm and the flesh is firm but not hard.

If your potatoes are damaged when you harvest them, they will not store well. Be careful when harvesting potatoes so that you do not damage them.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following these tips, you can successfully grow potatoes in your garden.

When is the best time to plant potatoes in NH?

The best time to plant potatoes in New Hampshire is from late April to early May.

What type of soil do potatoes need?

Potatoes grow best in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

How deep should I plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep.

How far apart should I plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart.

How much water do potatoes need?

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

What are the signs that potatoes are ready to harvest?

The leaves of the potato plant will turn yellow and the skins of the potatoes will become thick and tough. You can also check if the potatoes are ready to harvest by gently digging up one of the potatoes and seeing if the flesh is firm and white.

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 45F to 50F.

What are some common pests and diseases that affect potatoes?

Potatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:

  • Colorado potato beetles
  • Potato blight
  • Late blight
  • Early blight
  • Blackleg
  • Rhizoctonia
  • Fusarium wilt

How can I prevent pests and diseases from affecting my potatoes?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent pests and diseases from affecting your potatoes, including:

  • Growing resistant varieties of potatoes
  • Rotating crops
  • Applying mulch
  • Watering your potatoes regularly
  • Inspecting your plants for signs of pests and diseases
  • Treating your plants with pesticides and fungicides as needed

    When to plant potatoes in NH is a topic that gardeners should be familiar with. The best time to plant potatoes in New Hampshire is between late April and early May, when the soil has warmed to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Potatoes should be planted in hills, with 3 to 4 potatoes per hill. The hills should be spaced 3 feet apart and 1 foot deep. Potatoes need full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but not too much. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm. To harvest potatoes, dig up the hills carefully so as not to damage the potatoes. Be sure to leave some of the foliage on the potatoes so that they can continue to cure. Once the potatoes are cured, they can be stored in a cool, dry place.

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

  • The best time to plant potatoes is between late April and early May, when the soil has warmed to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Potatoes should be planted in hills, with 3 to 4 potatoes per hill.
  • The hills should be spaced 3 feet apart and 1 foot deep.
  • Potatoes need full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Potatoes should be watered regularly, but not too much.
  • The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
  • Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm.
  • To harvest potatoes, dig up the hills carefully so as not to damage the potatoes.
  • Be sure to leave some of the foliage on the potatoes so that they can continue to cure.
  • Once the potatoes are cured, they can be stored in a cool, dry place.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.