Planting potatoes can be fun. What’s more, potatoes can be planted anywhere as long as the soil is well prepared, but there is no doubt that Idaho is the best potato state.
If you plan to start gardening and live in Idaho, then you are in the best place to establish your potato garden.
Planting potatoes here guarantees that you will harvest some high-quality potatoes that will compete relatively well in the market.
However, choosing to plant potatoes in Idaho does not automatically qualify that you will get good produce.
Planting at the right time, in the right way, in the best conditions, and practicing maintenance is key to a good harvest. If you are unsure when to plant potatoes in Idaho, this article is specially meant for you.
When to plant potatoes in Idaho
The best time to plant potatoes in Idaho is early spring, usually a few weeks before the last frost. In Idaho, the average last frost date is predicted to be somewhere from late April through the end of May, depending on your locality and the USDA zone your garden lies in.
Idaho spans hardiness zones 3b to 7b. To be sure of the right time to plant potatoes in your garden, you need to check your local planting calendar and weather predictions.
Potatoes are cool weather plants but can still be affected by extremely cold conditions. Planting potatoes two weeks before the last frost will produce the most satisfactory results.
Ensure the soil is at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and not overly wet to prevent root rot.
Idaho has the best conditions for growing potatoes and other plants that grow well in moderate climates.
Idaho has fertile volcanic soils and mountain-fed irrigation keeping the soils moist throughout the year. The growing seasons comprise warm days and cold nights, leading to a balanced soil condition that leads to high-quality potato yields.
Due to the good soil conditions, you can plant potatoes in Idaho all year round by using greenhouses during the fall and winter seasons to protect the plants from the dangers of frost.
Tips for planting potatoes in Idaho
To be a successful potato gardener in Idaho, consider the following tips;
1. Timing
Timing is critical if you wish to have the best potato gardens in Idaho. Knowing the last frost date in your locality will help you mark the accurate planting dates. It is advisable to start your potatoes eight weeks before the last fall, but most successful gardeners do it 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost.
2. Adequately prepare the soil.
Identify the planting area and cultivate it appropriately, removing all weeds. Make rows and space them three feet apart. Afterward, add fertilizer or dry manure to the soil and add water. Afterward, add a layer of organic mulch to keep the soil moist.
3. Choose the best potatoes seeds
When it’s time for planting, select the certified potato seeds for Idaho, and cut them into pieces ensuring each piece has at least one potato eye. Leave the cut pieces in a dark and humid area so that they can dry out.
To plant, drop a single tuber in every one of the shallow holes prepared in the soil. Make sure the eyes are pointing upwards for easy germination and sprouting. Add dirt or mulch on top of the potatoes. Space the potatoes about 12 inches from each tuber to give it adequate space to grow.
4. Maintenance and caring
After four or five weeks since the planting date, add more dirt to the potato gangbusters to encourage growth. At this point, you should add not less than 3 inches of dirt.
You can add a layer of mulch to prevent the soil from being carried away by rain or irrigation water.
When the potato stalks grow to about six inches, you will need to add more soil to prevent them from emerging above the ground before they mature.
5. Harvest at the right time
The right time to harvest potatoes is when the leaves and stem have died up and changed from green to brown. Wet the soil and gently pull the potatoes from the ground.
When to plant potatoes in idaho: Conclusion
Since Idaho is a leading potato-producing state, anyone who wants to venture into potato gardening will do well.
However, having a potatoes garden in Idaho does not necessarily mean you will have a good harvest.
Knowing the right time to plant and the essential tips outlined in this article will help you become a successful and happy Idaho potato gardener.
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