In Zone 6 , the ideal time to plant potatoes is in April and May . This is because potatoes prosper in nerveless weather and can tolerate some frost . By found in the spring , you give your potatoes enough time to maturate and mature before the live summertime temperature come .
I remember one twelvemonth when I planted my white potato in late March , thinking that the weather was warm enough . However , we had a surprise frost in early April , and unfortunately , my potato flora were damaged . Lesson learned – it ’s always best to wait until April to be safe .
Planting in April and May ensures that the grime has warmed up enough for proper tuber development . It also let the potatoes to take advantage of the recollective daylight hours and ample rain during the spring season . These conditions provide the ideal environment for healthy increase and yield .
When planting potatoes in Zone 6 , it ’s authoritative to choose a location that find full sun for at least six to eight hour a day . white potato also prefer well - draining soil with a pH degree between 5.0 and 6.0 . If your soil is heavy and clay - like , you could meliorate its drainage by add organic issue such as compost or senior manure .
To plant potatoes , embark on by fix the land by polish off any gage or rocks . labor a oceanic abyss about 6 inches deep , and space your potato seminal fluid pieces ( also recognize as semen white potato ) about 12 inches apart . Each seed white potato should have at least one or two eyes , which are modest indentations on the surface .
Once you ’ve placed the seminal fluid white potato in the trench , plow them with about 4 inch of dirt . As the plants develop , continue to mound soil around the base , leaving only a small dower of the works exposed . This operation , known as hilling , assist to promote more genus Tuber geological formation and protects the potatoes from sun , which can have them to wrick green and become toxic .
Throughout the growing season , it ’s significant to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged . Overwatering can lead to diseases and moulder , while underwatering can leave in stunted growth and small genus Tuber . Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed .
In Zone 6 , the average last frost escort is commonly in late April or early May . However , it ’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect your potato industrial plant if a late frost is carry . Covering the plants with floating row covers or mantle can help prevent frost damage .
By following these rule of thumb and planting your potatoes in April and May , you could anticipate a bountiful harvest in tardy summertime or early fall . Just remember to be patient and give your potato the time they need to develop fully . well-chosen planting !
Caroline Bates
