Growing Potatoes for Beginners

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) originated in the Andean region of South America where it has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. In the 16th century, the potato was introduced to Europe where it become a staple crop because of its adaptability and high yield. However, it did not make it to the United States until 1719, when Irish immigrants introduced the Americas to the valuable crop. Today, potatoes are one of the world's most important food crops, ranking fourth behind rice, wheat, and corn. Potatoes are a staple in most home gardens due to their high productivity, easy storage, and versatility in cooking. 

The edible portion of the potato plant is called the tuber, which is the underground storage for the plant. The tuber is developed from underground stolon. The formation of the tuber begins when the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, which usually occurs four to eight weeks after planting.

Potatoes require six to eight hours of full sun exposure to thrive. This is one of major considerations when choosing a planting site. The ideal soil should be loose, well drained, loamy soil that is not heavy clay or poorly drained because it can cause tuber rot. The pH of the soil should be 5.0 to 5.5 (slightly acidic). Annual crop rotation is necessary to reduce disease buildup, such as scab and blight. 

In West Virginia, the optimal time to plant potatoes is early spring. The soil is workable, and the risk of hard frost has passed, and the soil temperature is about 45 F or higher. Typical planting windows are from late March to early April in many areas. In cooler or higher elevations, a slightly later window of late April to early May is recommended. 

Variety selection depends on factors such as space availability, desired use, and storage plans. The following varieties are common for West Virginia.

The seed potato should be certified, disease-free seed tubers that are cut pieces that have at least one eye (a vegetative bud on the tuber, which is a modified stem). It is good practice to let cut potatoes dry one to two days before planting. However, small whole tubers that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter can be planted as they are. The cut pieces or small potatoes should be plated 3 to 4 inches deep with 10 to 12 inches between each seed. Add a half cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer between each seed potato before covering with soil. Row spacing should be 2.5 to 3 feet apart. Once the potato plants reach 6 to 8 inches in height, mound the soil around stems as t the plants grow to cover developing tubers and prevent tubers from exposure to the sunlight, which causes greening and bitterness. Normally, mounding operation is required two times per season. Potatoes benefit from side-dressing with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) starting once the pants reach 6 to 8 inches in height and again after bloom. Avoid excessive fertilizer high in nitrogen application late in growth for it promotes vine growth over tuber development. Potatoes benefit from phosphorus and potassium for root and tuber development. 

Potatoes require consistent soil moisture particularly during bloom and tuber formation. The amount of water should equal 1 to 1.5 inches per week; however, soggy soil promotes disease. 

Common pests include Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and wireworms. The diseases that cause issues are early blight, late blight, scab, and blackleg. Cultural control consists of crop rotation, resistant varieties, removing infected plants, and avoiding overhead watering. Insecticides and fungicides that are labeled for pest and potatoes are needed in certain instances. 

Harvesting potatoes can occur at any time for new potatoes, usually three weeks after flowering when skins are thin, which is 60 to 90 days after planting. However, the main crop should be harvested when vines die back so the skin is not as soft. This is about 100 to 120 days after planting. Dig carefully to avoid bruising or cuts. Potatoes need to be cured in a cool, dark, ventilated area (50 to 60 F) for 10 to 14 days. Once cured, potatoes should be stored in a dark, humid, and cool environment of 40 to 45 F to avoid sprouting. Potatoes yield 5 to 10 pounds per plant.

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