When to Plant Potatoes in Zone 6: The Complete Guide

Potatoes are a staple crop that can be grown successfully in USDA hardiness zone 6 with some planning and preparation. Knowing the optimal time to plant is key to getting a bountiful harvest of delicious potatoes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting potatoes in zone 6, including timing, varieties, growing tips, and troubleshooting.

An Overview of Zone 6

USDA hardiness zone 6 covers a large swath of the country, spanning states from Massachusetts to Oregon This zone typically sees minimum winter temperatures in the -10°F to 0°F range The last spring frost date ranges from April to early May, while the first fall frost hits anywhere from mid-October to early November. The growing season lasts 150-180 days on average.

When planting any crops in zone 6, timing is critical to avoid frost damage. Pay close attention to the microclimate and frost dates for your specific location. Nearby hills, lakes, and urban areas can all impact local weather patterns. Talk to experienced local gardeners or your county extension office to get personalized planting advice for your area.

When to Plant Potatoes in Zone 6

Potatoes require soil temperatures above 50°F to sprout and adequate soil warmth throughout the growing season, This makes timing your planting correctly crucial,

Here are some general guidelines for when to plant potatoes in zone 6:

• Start seed potatoes indoors Begin sprouting seed potatoes indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date Place them in a sunny spot to chit or sprout,

• Plant outdoors: 2-3 weeks after the average last spring frost, once soil temperatures have warmed to at least 50°F. Generally, in zone 6 this will fall between late April and late May.

• Harvest: Time from planting to harvest ranges from 90-120 days depending on the variety. Expect to harvest new potatoes starting in mid summer. Cure and store mature potatoes after vines die back in early fall before hard frosts hit.

• Avoid cold damage: Use protective covers like fabric row covers if cold snaps occur after planting. Temperatures below 50°F can damage plants and tubers.

Paying close attention to short term weather forecasts and adjusting your planting dates accordingly will help avoid damaging cold spells. An early spring warm up followed by more frosts is not unusual in zone 6. Err on the side of waiting a week or two if temperatures are still fluctuating above and below optimal potato growing range.

Selecting Potato Varieties for Zone 6

Choosing early maturing, cold hardy varieties suited for your zone is key to success. Here are some top options:

• Yukon Gold: Classic yellow fleshed potato, matures in 65-75 days.

• Red Pontiac: Red skinned, white fleshed potato, matures in 80 days. Good disease resistance.

• Carola: Yellow skinned, creamy textured potato, matures in 90 days. Resists scab.

• Purple Viking: Dark purple skin, moist flesh, matures in 90 days.

• French Fingerling: Small, skinny fingerling type, matures in 85 days. Gourmet flavor.

• Kennebec: Large, white skinned potato, matures in 95 days. Stores well.

For the earliest harvest focus on quick maturing fingerling or new potato varieties. Later planting larger, main crop potatoes will produce the storage potatoes for your winter meals.

Consult your local extension office for their recommended varieties that reliably perform well in your microclimate. Avoid using supermarket potatoes as seed stock, as these often fail to grow true to type. Certified disease free seed potatoes give you the best results.

Preparing and Planting Potatoes in Zone 6

Preparing your seed potatoes properly and getting them in the ground at the right moment is key. Follow these tips for success:

• Order seed potatoes 3-4 weeks before your planned planting date. Look for small to medium sized tubers with strong sprouts.

• Cut larger tubers into smaller pieces with at least 1-2 eyes per section. Let cut pieces heal over for 1-2 days before planting.

• Chit or pre-sprout potatoes by placing them in a sunny, warm spot a few weeks prior to planting. This gives them a vigorous head start on growth.

• Prepare soil in planting beds by mixing in several inches of compost. Potatoes thrive in loose, fertile soil. Till beds to 8-12 inches depth.

• Wait until soil has warmed to at least 50°F, and all chance of frost has passed. Carefully monitor soil temperature and weather reports.

• Plant seed potatoes 4-6 inches deep, 10-12 inches apart in rows spaced 2.5-3 feet apart. Gently firm soil after placing them.

• Water newly planted potatoes well and continue regular watering. Consistent moisture is key to tuber development.

• Use row covers if cold temperatures threaten newly planted potatoes. Be prepared to take protective measures if unusual spring weather occurs.

Growing and Maintaining Potatoes

Caring for your potatoes throughout the growing season involves keeping plants consistently moist, hilled up, and protected from pests:

• Water one inch per week. Potatoes are 80% water, so maintaining even soil moisture is vital.

• Hill or mound soil around stems as plants grow. This protects developing tubers from sunlight which can turn them green.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Straw makes an ideal mulch for potatoes.

• Monitor for pests like potato beetles, aphids, and potato blight. Pick off beetles by hand or use insecticidal soap sprays if infestations are severe.

• Fertilize plants once blossoming starts with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea. This supports tuber bulking.

• Remove any potatoes that push above ground to avoid greening. Keep plants consistently mounded with soil and mulch.

With attentive care throughout the growing season you’ll be rewarded with an abundant harvest.

Troubleshooting Common Potato Problems

Even experienced gardeners run into issues occasionally. Being prepared with solutions can save your crop:

• Rotting seed potatoes: Allow cut seed pieces to heal over before planting. Ensure soil drainage is adequate.

• Poor germination: Plant into warm soil above 50°F. Purchase fresh certified seed annually.

• Slow growth: Fertilize when plants begin flowering. Maintain even moisture.

• Pests: Hand pick Colorado potato beetles, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, use row covers.

• Potato blight: Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Improve air circulation and water at soil level.

• Green tubers: Keep plants consistently hilled up. Check that tubers are not pushing out of soil.

Stay vigilant for any signs of disease and pests. Prompt removal of affected plants can prevent spread.

Harvesting and Storing Potatoes

Timely, careful harvesting and proper storage keeps potatoes fresh for months past the growing season:

• New potatoes: Harvest small, thin skinned new potatoes about 3 weeks after flowers appear by gently digging around hills and removing mature tubers. Take only what you will use rapidly, leaving remaining potatoes to reach full size.

• Mature potatoes: 2-3 weeks after vines start yellowing and dying back, dig potatoes on a dry day. Avoid bruising or cutting potatoes.

• Curing potatoes: Allow freshly dug potatoes to sit in a dark, humid location at 60-70°F for 1-2 weeks. This thickens skins for better storage.

• Storing potatoes: Move cured potatoes to a cool (40-50°F), dark location with good ventilation and humidity around 90% for long term storage, up to 5-6 months. Avoid exposing potatoes to light, as this can induce sprouting and spoilage. Periodically check stored potatoes and remove any that are spoiled.

With the right timing, practices, and care you can enjoy a prolific harvest of homegrown potatoes that will last through the winter months until next season.

Knowing when to plant is the key factor for successfully growing potatoes in zone 6. Pay close attention to soil temperatures, average last frost dates, and potato variety maturity times. With weather fluctuations, it is always better to plant on the late rather than early side. Prioritize certified disease free seed, consistent moisture, and vigilant pest monitoring for the healthiest plants and biggest yields. Follow best practices for harvesting and storing, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious potatoes year round.