If you’re planning your garden in North Texas, knowing when to plant potatoes is your first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is the most important factor for success, and this guide will walk you through the optimal planting season.
Potatoes are a cool-season crop, which means they need to be in the ground during the cooler parts of the year. Planting them at the correct time helps avoid problems with heat and frost, leading to healthier plants and more spuds for your table.
When to Plant Potatoes in North Texas – Optimal Planting Season Guide
For most of North Texas, the prime planting window for potatoes is relatively short. You have two main opportunities: a primary spring planting and a smaller fall planting.
The Best Spring Planting Dates
The ideal time for spring planting is in late winter. You want to get your seed potatoes in the ground about 2-3 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco, this typically falls between:
- Mid-February to Early March: This is the sweet spot. The soil is beginning to warm but is still cool, and the plants can mature before the intense summer heat arrives.
A good rule of thumb is to plant on Valentine’s Day (February 14th). If the ground is workable and not frozen, it’s usually a safe bet. If a late frost is forcasted after the plants emerge, you can cover them with a light row cover or even an old sheet for protection.
Understanding Your Fall Planting Option
A less common but possible second season exists for fall potatoes. The goal is to plant late enough that the tubers develop in the cooler fall weather, but early enough that they mature before the first hard freeze.
- Late July to Early August: This is your target for fall planting. It’s tricky because you’re planting during the hottest part of the year. Success depends on providing consistent moisture and maybe some afternoon shade for the young plants.
Fall planting is more of an experiment for seasoned gardeners, but it can yeild a nice late-season crop of new potatoes if you get the timing just right.
Why Timing is Everything for Texas Potatoes
Planting too early or too late in North Texas leads to specific problems. Here’s what can go wrong:
- Too Early (December/January): Seed potatoes can rot in cold, wet soil. A hard freeze after sprouts emerge can kill the plants.
- Too Late (April/May): This is the most common mistake. The plants will try to form tubers as the soil heats up. Hot soil stops tuber growth and can cause knobby, misshapen potatoes. It also invites more pest issues.
How to Prepare for Planting
Once you’ve got your date circled on the calender, it’s time to prepare. Good preparation makes the whole process smoother.
1. Choosing Your Seed Potatoes
Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center or reputable online source. Do not use potatoes from the grocery store, as they are often treated with a sprout inhibitor and can carry disease. For North Texas, consider varieties that mature quickly (early-season types) to beat the heat.
- Early Season (70-90 days): ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Norland’, ‘Irish Cobbler’
- Mid-Season (90-110 days): ‘Kennebec’, ‘Pontiac’
2. Pre-Sprouting (Chitting)
About 3-4 weeks before your planting date, place your seed potatoes in a bright, cool spot (not direct sun) to encourage sturdy sprouts. This gives them a head start, which is especially helpful for the spring season.
3. Preparing Your Garden Bed
Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil. Texas clay is their enemy. Follow these steps:
- Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6-8 hours).
- Work the soil deeply, breaking up any clods to a depth of about 10 inches.
- Mix in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be worked in at this time too.
The Step-by-Step Planting Process
- Cut and Cure: If your seed potatoes are larger than a golf ball, you can cut them into pieces. Each piece must have at least 1-2 “eyes” or sprouts. Let the cut pieces air-dry for a day or two to form a callus, which prevents rot.
- Dig Trenches: Dig straight trenches about 4-6 inches deep and 2-3 feet apart.
- Plant: Place the seed potato pieces cut-side down, with the eyes facing up, about 10-12 inches apart in the trench.
- Cover and Water: Cover with 3-4 inches of soil. Water the trench thoroughly to settle the soil around the seed pieces.
Caring for Your Growing Potatoes
Consistent care after planting ensures a strong yield.
- Hilling: When the plants are about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the base, leaving just the top few leaves exposed. Repeat this every few weeks. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potatoes to form along the buried stem.
- Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked tubers.
- Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for Colorado potato beetles and aphids. Hand-pick beetles and spray aphids off with water.
Harvesting Your Bounty
You can harvest “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature, storage potatoes, wait until the plant vines have completely yellowed and died back. Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil beside the plant and dig up your potatoes. Let them cure in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What month do you plant potatoes in Texas?
In North Texas, the main planting month is February. For a fall crop, aim for late July or early August, though this is more challenging.
Can I grow potatoes in North Texas?
Absolutely! With the right timing (planting in late winter) and proper soil preparation to combat heavy clay, you can grow a fantastic potato crop in North Texas.
What is the best potato variety for Texas heat?
Early-maturing varieties like ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Norland’ are excellent choices because they produce tubers quickly before the summer soil gets to hot.
How late is too late to plant potatoes?
In spring, planting after mid-March becomes risky. By April, the soil warms to much, and the plants will struggle to produce good tubers before the summer heat sets in.
By following this guide and paying close attention to the calender, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting homegrown potatoes that taste better than anything from the store. Remember, in North Texas, the secret is always to err on the side of planting earlier rather than later. Get those seed potatoes ready as winter winds down, and you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful spring harvest.