Planting Potatoes In The Northeast

Potatoes are a relative of the tomato, and both are in the same family as toxic nightshade plants. The stems, fruits and leaves of the potato are toxic. The potato itself is a tuber rather than a root and contains all the genetic material required for a new plant. Potatoes grow in sizes from fingerling and round to those that are 1 pound each, and in colors that include brown, purple, gold, blue and red.

Step 1

Plant potatoes between March 10 to April 5 in the Northeast, when the soil temperature is at least 45 to 50 degrees F at a depth of 2 inches. A more optimal temperature is between 55 to 60 degrees F.

Step 2

Dig the soil to a depth of 24 inches. Mix in compost and organic materials. Dig holes 12 inches deep and wide for each seed potato. Space the holes at least 2 feet from the center of each hole.

Step 3

Plant the potatoes and cover them with 3 inches of soil. Cover the seedlings with plastic jugs that have their tops cut off.

Step 4

Fill in the holes with 5 inches of soil and 1 inch of compost when the potato plants reach 8 inches tall. Fill in the hole completely, half with compost and half with soil, when the plants are 5 inches above ground level.

Step 5

Water on a consistent basis to supplement rainfall, as potatoes should receive 1 inch of water per week.

Step 6

Mound the soil 12 inches tall over the potato plant as it grows for the first two months.

Step 7

Hand remove any insects or spray with an insecticide specific to the pest. Wash aphids off with a strong stream of water.

Step 8

Harvest the potatoes by carefully digging them up about two weeks after the plant has turned yellow and withered.