Knowing when to plant fall potatoes in Texas is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial, as it allows your plants to mature during the cooler weather they prefer.
Fall gardening in Texas offers a second chance for potato lovers. The warm summers can be tough on potatoes, but the milder fall season is perfect. You can enjoy a fresh harvest of homegrown spuds in late fall or early winter with the right schedule.
When To Plant Fall Potatoes In Texas
The optimal planting window for fall potatoes in Texas is from late August to early September. This timing is not the same everywhere in the state’s diverse climate zones.
Your specific location within Texas will determine your best dates. Planting too early exposes plants to summer heat. Planting too late risks damage from the first frost.
Texas Climate Zones and Potato Planting
Texas has several major climate zones, each affecting your planting schedule.
- North Texas (Zones 7b-8a): Aim to plant between August 20th and September 10th. The earlier frost dates here mean you need to get potatoes in the ground sooner.
- Central Texas (Zones 8b-9a): The prime window is from September 1st to September 20th. The slightly longer growing season allows for a bit more flexibility.
- South Texas & Gulf Coast (Zones 9b-10a): You can plant from late September through mid-October. The frost-free fall is much longer here, providing a wide planting window.
- West Texas (Zones 7-8): Follow similar dates to North Texas, but be mindful of your specific first frost date, which can vary with elevation.
A good rule is to count backwards from your area’s average first frost date. Potatoes need about 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. You want them ready to harvest just before that first frost hits.
Why Fall is Ideal for Texas Potatoes
Potatoes are a cool-season crop. They thrive in soil temperatures between 60°F and 70°F.
Fall planting lets the tubers develop as soil cools down. This leads to better tuber set and growth. The pests and diseases that plague summer gardens, like Colorado potato beetles, are also less active in the fall.
You’ll often get a higher yield and smoother potatoes compared to a spring planting that battles the heat.
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties for Fall
Selecting fast-maturing varieties is key for fall success. You need potatoes that can reach full size before winter cold stops their growth.
- Early Season (70-90 days): These are your best bet. Look for ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Norland’, ‘Irish Cobbler’, or ‘Mountain Rose’.
- Mid-Season (90-110 days): Can work in zones with long falls, like South Texas. Examples include ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Purple Majesty’.
- Late Season (110+ days): Generally not recommended for fall planting in most of Texas, as they won’t mature in time.
Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable source. Do not use potatoes from the grocery store, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Fall Potatoes
1. Preparing Seed Potatoes
About two weeks before planting, “chit” or sprout your seed potatoes. Place them in a cool, bright location to encourage short, sturdy green sprouts.
Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two eyes. Let the cut pieces cure for 1-2 days so the cut surface calluses over. This helps prevent rot once planted.
2. Preparing the Garden Bed
Choose a spot with full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Potatoes need well-draining, loose soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or aged manure to improve texture and fertility.
Raised beds or grow bags are excellent options, especially if your native soil is slow to drain. They also make harvesting simpler.
3. The Planting Process
- Dig a trench about 6 inches deep.
- Space seed potato pieces 10 to 12 inches apart in the trench, with the eyes facing upward.
- Cover the potatoes with 3 to 4 inches of soil.
- Space your rows about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for hilling later.
Water the bed thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seed pieces.
Caring for Your Fall Potato Crop
Watering and Hilling
Consistent moisture is vital, especially during tuber formation. Water deeply once or twice a week, aiming for about 1 to 2 inches of water. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also don’t keep it soggy.
When plants are about 6 inches tall, begin “hilling.” Mound soil around the base of the plant, covering the stems halfway. This protects developing tubers from sunlight, which turns them green and toxic. Repeat hilling every few weeks as plants grow.
Fertilizing and Pest Watch
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth instead of tubers. A side dressing of compost when hilling is often sufficient.
Watch for signs of aphids or flea beetles. A strong spray of water or use of insecticidal soap usually manages them. Good garden sanitation from the previous season helps prevent disease.
Harvesting and Storing Your Fall Potatoes
Your potatoes are ready for a “new potato” harvest when plants flower. For full-sized, storage potatoes, wait until the plant tops (vines) turn yellow and begin to die back.
For your main harvest, stop watering once vines yellow. After about two weeks, carefully dig up your potatoes on a dry, sunny day. Let them cure on the soil surface for a few hours to dry.
For storage, cure them in a dark, well-ventilated place at about 60°F with high humidity for 10-14 days. After curing, store them in a cool (40-50°F), dark, and humid location. Properly cured and stored potatoes can last for several months.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Texas weather can be unpredictable. An early heat wave after planting can stress plants. Use a light mulch to keep soil cool and conserve moisture until temperatures drop.
A surprise early frost is a bigger risk. Keep row covers or frost cloth ready to throw over your plants if a light frost is forecasted. This can extend your growing season by a few crucial weeks.
If you get a lot of rain, ensure your beds drain well to prevent tuber rot. Raised beds are a big advantage in wet seasons.
FAQ: Fall Potatoes in Texas
Can I plant potatoes in October in Texas?
Yes, but only in the warmest regions like South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. For most of the state, October is too late for planting.
What happens if I plant fall potatoes too late?
The plants won’t have enough time to produce a good crop of mature tubers before frost. You might only get very small potatoes, or the plants could be killed by cold before forming anything.
Can I use store-bought potatoes for seed?
It’s not recommended. They are often treated to prevent sprouting and can carry diseases that persist in your soil.
How do I protect my fall potatoes from a early freeze?
Have floating row covers or old blankets on hand. Cover the plants completely on nights when a frost is predicted, removing the cover during the day.
What’s the main difference between spring and fall potato planting in Texas?
The main difference is the growing weather. Spring potatoes grow into summer heat, which can halt production. Fall potatoes grow into cooler weather, which they prefer, often resulting in a better quality harvest.
By following this guide and ajusting for your local frost dates, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown potatoes well into the winter season. The key is timing, variety selection, and a little preparation for Texas’s variable fall weather.