If you’re a gardener in the Peach State, knowing when do you plant potatoes in Georgia is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right is everything, as our unique climate offers a long, productive growing season for these tasty tubers.
Potatoes are a rewarding crop that store well and can be grown in both spring and fall here. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting windows for your region, how to prepare, and the simple steps to growing success.
When Do You Plant Potatoes In Georgia
Georgia’s planting seasons are split by the intense heat of summer. For a spring crop, you plant early. For a fall crop, you plant late summer. The exact dates shift significantly from north to south Georgia.
Spring Planting Dates Across Georgia
Spring planting is all about beating the heat. Potatoes need cool soil to start and time to mature before summer temperatures soar, which can halt tuber growth.
- North Georgia (Zones 7a-7b): Plant from mid-February through late March. The mountain areas may need to wait until early April if the ground is still frozen.
- Middle Georgia (Zones 8a-8b): Aim for late January through February. This region has a slightly longer window before it gets to hot.
- South Georgia (Zones 8b-9a): You can start earliest here, from early January to mid-February. The coastal plains warm up quickest.
Fall Planting Dates Across Georgia
Fall planting is excellent for a second harvest. You plant when the worst summer heat breaks, allowing potatoes to develop in the cooling autumn weather.
- North Georgia: Plant from late July to mid-August.
- Middle Georgia: Plant from early August to early September.
- South Georgia: Plant from mid-August to mid-September.
A good rule of thumb is to count backwards 90-120 days from your first expected fall frost date. This gives the potatoes enough time to reach full size.
Why Timing is Critical
Planting to early in cold, wet soil can cause seed pieces to rot. Planting to late exposes developing tubers to excessive heat, leading to poor yields or even plant shutdown. Matching your planting date to your specific zone is the most important decision you’ll make.
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties
Select varieties suited to our climate and your season. Some are more heat-tolerant or have faster maturity dates, which is key for fall planting.
- For Spring & General Use: Yukon Gold (early), Red Pontiac (mid), Kennebec (late).
- Good Heat Tolerance: LaRouge, Superior, and Viking Purple are known to perform better in warmer soils.
- Fast-Maturing for Fall: Choose early varieties like Caribe or Irish Cobbler that mature in under 90 days.
Where to Get Seed Potatoes
Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center or reputable online supplier. Never use potatoes from the grocery store, as they are often treated with sprout inhibitors and can carry disease.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a healthy start.
1. Preparing Your Garden Bed
Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8 to 6.5). Work in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Avoid fresh manure, as it can promote scab disease.
2. Chitting Your Seed Potatoes
About 2-3 weeks before planting, set your seed potatoes in a cool, bright place to encourage short, sturdy sprouts. This process, called chitting, gives them a head start.
3. Cutting and Curing Seed Pieces
Large seed potatoes can be cut into pieces, each with at least 1-2 eyes. Let these pieces cure for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place so the cut surface forms a callus. This helps prevent rot once planted.
4. The Planting Process
- Dig a trench about 6 inches deep.
- Place seed pieces cut-side down, 12 inches apart, in the trench.
- Space rows about 3 feet apart for good airflow and hilling room.
- Cover the seed pieces with 4 inches of soil.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Consistent care through the season leads to a bumper crop.
Watering Needs
Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy. Even moisture is especially crucial when tubers are forming. Inconsistent watering can lead to knobby or cracked potatoes.
Hilling for More Tubers
When 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.
Fertilizing Schedule
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. To much nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of tubers. A side-dressing of a potassium-rich fertilizer when plants begin to flower can support tuber bulking.
Pest and Disease Watch
Common issues in Georgia include Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and early blight. Inspect plants regularly. Use row covers for beetles and practice crop rotation each year to minimize soil-borne diseases. Good spacing and hilling improves air flow, which helps prevent fungal issues.
Harvesting and Storing Your Bounty
When to Harvest
You can harvest “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after plants finish flowering. For mature, storage potatoes, wait until the plant vines have completely yellowed and died back. Use a garden fork to gently loosen soil and retreive your potatoes, being careful not to puncture them.
Curing and Storage Tips
After digging, let potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place at about 60°F for 1-2 weeks. This toughens their skin for storage. Then, store them in a cool (40-50°F), dark, humid place. Properly cured and stored potatoes can last for many months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant potatoes from the store in Georgia?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases that can persist in your soil for years. Invest in certified seed potatoes for the best results.
What is the latest you can plant potatoes in Georgia?
For a fall crop, the latest planting date is about 14-16 weeks before your first hard frost. In south Georgia, this can be as late as early October for some fast-maturing varieties, but earlier is always safer.
How often should you water potatoes in Georgia’s heat?
During hot, dry spells, you may need to water deeply two to three times a week to maintain that crucial consistent soil moisture. Mulching with straw can help retain moisture and keep soil cooler.
Can I grow potatoes in containers in Georgia?
Absolutely. Use a large container (at least 10-15 gallons) with excellent drainage. The process is the same, but container soil can dry out faster, so monitor water closely. This is a great option for small spaces or poor soil.
By following this guide and ajusting for your local conditions, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting homegrown potatoes. Remember, the key is in the timing and consistent care. With a little planning, you can enjoy the satisfication of digging up your own spuds twice a year in Georgia’s favorable climate.