When to Plant Potatoes in Oklahoma: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Potatoes in Oklahoma

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown in many different climates. In Oklahoma, the best time to plant potatoes is in the spring, after the last frost date. This will give the plants plenty of time to grow and mature before the first frost of fall.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planting potatoes in Oklahoma. First, choose a site that gets full sun for at least six hours per day. Potatoes need plenty of sunlight to produce good yields. Second, the soil should be well-drained and fertile. Potatoes do not tolerate wet soil, so make sure the site is not prone to flooding. Third, the soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Potatoes do not tolerate acidic soil, so you may need to add lime to the soil before planting.

Once you have chosen a site and prepared the soil, you can start planting potatoes. Potatoes are typically planted in hills, with each hill spaced about 3 feet apart. The hills should be about 6 inches high and 12 inches wide. Place the potato pieces about 4 inches deep in the hill, with the eyes facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil and water well.

Potatoes will begin to sprout within a few weeks. Once the plants have grown to about 6 inches tall, you can hill them up. This will help to protect the developing tubers from the sun and pests. You will need to hill the plants up two or three times during the growing season.

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the skins are tough and the flesh is firm. You can harvest potatoes by digging them up with a garden fork. Be careful not to damage the tubers, as this can lead to rot. Store potatoes in a cool, dry place.

Potatoes are a delicious and nutritious crop that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and care, you can grow your own potatoes in Oklahoma and enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes all season long.

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Month Best Planting Date Tips
March Early March Start potatoes indoors in pots or trays.
April Mid-April Plant potatoes outdoors after the last frost date.
May Late May Continue planting potatoes outdoors until early June.

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Potatoes are a popular and versatile crop that can be grown in many different climates. However, the best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma depends on a number of factors, including the climate, soil type, desired maturity date, and variety of potato.

This article will discuss the factors to consider when choosing a planting date for potatoes in Oklahoma, as well as provide general planting guidelines for the state.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

The following are some of the factors to consider when choosing a planting date for potatoes in Oklahoma:

  • Climate: The climate in Oklahoma can vary significantly from one region to another. The northern part of the state has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The southern part of the state has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma will vary depending on the specific climate in your area.
  • Soil type: Potatoes grow best in well-drained, loamy soil. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may need to amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Desired maturity date: Potatoes can be harvested at any time from early summer to late fall. The maturity date of a potato variety is determined by the number of days it takes from planting to harvest. Early season potatoes are ready to harvest in about 70 days, midseason potatoes in about 80 days, and late season potatoes in about 90 days.
  • Variety of potato: Different varieties of potatoes have different maturity dates. When choosing a variety of potato to plant in Oklahoma, make sure to choose one that is suited for the climate and maturity date you are looking for.

General Planting Guidelines for Oklahoma

Based on the factors discussed above, the following are general planting guidelines for potatoes in Oklahoma:

  • Early season potatoes: February-March
  • Midseason potatoes: March-April
  • Late season potatoes: April-May

Of course, these are just general guidelines. The best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma will vary depending on your specific climate, soil type, desired maturity date, and variety of potato.

Potatoes are a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown in many different climates. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose the best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma for your specific situation.

Here are some additional tips for growing potatoes in Oklahoma:

  • Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Plant potatoes in hills or mounds to improve drainage and prevent rot.
  • Water potatoes regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize potatoes with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
  • Hill potatoes up as they grow to prevent the tubers from being exposed to sunlight.
  • Harvest potatoes when they are fully mature.

By following these tips, you can grow delicious and healthy potatoes in Oklahoma.

When To Plant Potatoes In Oklahoma?

The best time to plant potatoes in Oklahoma is in early April, when the soil has warmed up to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can also plant potatoes in late March or early May, as long as the soil is not too cold.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a planting date for your potatoes:

  • The ideal soil temperature for growing potatoes is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the soil is too cold, your potatoes will not germinate properly.
  • The length of your growing season will also affect your planting date. If you have a short growing season, you will need to plant your potatoes earlier so that they have enough time to mature before the weather turns cold.
  • The type of potato you are planting will also affect your planting date. Early-season potatoes can be planted earlier than late-season potatoes.

If you are not sure when to plant your potatoes, you can always consult with your local extension office. They can provide you with specific planting dates for your area.

Specific Planting Dates for Each County

The following table provides planting dates for potatoes in each county in Oklahoma. These dates are based on the average last frost date for each county.

| County | Last Frost Date | Planting Date |
|—|—|—|
| Adair | April 15 | April 20 |
| Alfalfa | April 15 | April 20 |
| Beaver | April 15 | April 20 |
| Beckham | April 15 | April 20 |
| Blaine | April 15 | April 20 |
| Bryan | April 15 | April 20 |
| Caddo | April 15 | April 20 |
| Canadian | April 15 | April 20 |
| Carter | April 15 | April 20 |
| Cherokee | April 15 | April 20 |
| Choctaw | April 15 | April 20 |
| Cimarron | April 15 | April 20 |
| Cleveland | April 15 | April 20 |
| Coal | April 15 | April 20 |
| Comanche | April 15 | April 20 |
| Cotton | April 15 | April 20 |
| Craig | April 15 | April 20 |
| Creek | April 15 | April 20 |
| Custer | April 15 | April 20 |
| Delaware | April 15 | April 20 |
| DeKalb | April 15 | April 20 |
| Dewey | April 15 | April 20 |
| Ellis | April 15 | April 20 |
| Emmet | April 15 | April 20 |
| Garfield | April 15 | April 20 |
| Garvin | April 15 | April 20 |
| Grady | April 15 | April 20 |
| Grant | April 15 | April 20 |
| Greer | April 15 | April 20 |
| Harmon | April 15 | April 20 |
| Harper | April 15 | April 20 |
| Haskell | April 15 | April 20 |
| Hughes | April 15 | April 20 |
| Jackson | April 15 | April 20 |
| Jefferson | April 15 | April 20 |
| Johnston | April 15 | April 20 |
| Kay | April 15 | April 20 |
| Kingfisher | April 15 | April 20 |
| Kiowa | April 15 | April 20 |
| Latimer | April 15 | April 20 |
| Le Flore | April 15 | April 20 |
| Lincoln | April 15 | April 20 |
| Logan | April 15 | April 20 |
| Love | April 15 | April 20 |
| McClain | April 15 | April 20 |
| McCurtain | April 15 | April 20 |
| McIntosh | April 15 | April 20 |
| Major | April 15 | April 20 |
| Marshall | April 15 | April 20 |
| Mayes | April 15 | April 20 |
| Mead | April

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When to plant potatoes in Oklahoma is a question that many gardeners have. The answer depends on a few factors, including the climate, the variety of potato you are planting, and your personal preferences.

In general, potatoes can be planted in Oklahoma from early April to late May. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to plant potatoes earlier.

The variety of potato you are planting also affects when you should plant it. Early-season potatoes, such as Yukon Gold and Red Norland, can be planted earlier than late-season potatoes, such as Russet Burbank and King Edward.

Finally, your personal preferences also play a role in when you should plant potatoes. If you want to harvest potatoes early in the season, you will need to plant them earlier. If you are not in a hurry to harvest your potatoes, you can wait until later in the season to plant them.

Here are some tips for planting potatoes in Oklahoma:

  • Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Dig a trench about 10 inches deep and 3 feet wide.
  • Place the potatoes about 12 inches apart in the trench.
  • Cover the potatoes with soil and water well.
  • Mulch the plants to help keep the soil moist.

Potatoes are a relatively easy crop to grow, and they are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh potatoes from your own garden all season long.

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.