When To Plant Potatoes In Kentucky

If you’re planning your garden in the Bluegrass State, knowing when to plant potatoes in Kentucky is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right means your plants will have the best chance to grow strong and produce plenty of tubers.

Potatoes are a cool-season crop, which means they like to start growing in the cool soil of spring. Planting too early risks frost damage, while planting too late exposes them to our hot summer heat too soon. Let’s break down the best schedule for your area.

The optimal planting window for potatoes across most of Kentucky is from mid-March to mid-April. This timeframe takes advantage of the cool spring weather potatoes need for initial growth.

However, Kentucky has three distinct USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, which slightly shifts the ideal date. You should always use the soil temperature as your final guide—aim for a consistent 45°F (7°C) at a 4-inch depth.

Timing by Kentucky Region

Western Kentucky (Zone 7a & 7b): You can often start earliest, from late February to late March. Warmer winters mean soil warms quicker here.
Central Kentucky (Zone 6b): The classic Kentucky range applies here. Target late March through early April for planting.
Eastern Kentucky (Zone 6a): With higher elevations and cooler temperatures, wait until early to mid-April. Frost lingers longer in these areas.

Two Traditional Planting Guides

Many Kentucky gardeners follow old-fashioned cues. One is to plant when the first dandelions bloom in your lawn. Another common rule is to plant your potatoes around St. Patrick’s Day, though this is more reliable in Western Kentucky than in the cooler east.

Preparing Your Potato Seed

You should always use certified seed potatoes from a garden center. Grocery store potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting and can carry disease.

Chitting (Pre-sprouting): About 2-3 weeks before your planting date, place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot. This encourages short, sturdy sprouts for a faster start.
Cutting: A day or two before planting, cut larger seed potatoes into pieces. Each piece needs at least 1-2 eyes (sprout buds). Let the cut pieces dry to form a callus, which helps prevent rot.

Choosing the Right Potato Variety

Selecting types that mature at different times extends your harvest. It also lets you match varieties to Kentucky’s climate.

Early Season (70-90 days): ‘Red Norland’, ‘Yukon Gold’. Good for an early summer harvest before the worst heat.
Mid Season (90-110 days): ‘Kennebec’, ‘Purple Majesty’. These are the workhorses for a main crop.
Late Season (110+ days): ‘Russet Burbank’. They need a long, cool growing season, which can be tricky in our hot summers.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Site and Soil Preparation

Potatoes need full sun—at least 6 hours daily—and loose, well-draining soil. Heavy clay soil, common in parts of Kentucky, needs amending. A few weeks before planting, work in several inches of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.

2. 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 2-3 feet apart for good airflow and hilling room.
Cover the seed pieces with 4 inches of soil. Leave the remaining 2 inches of trench depth for later.

3. Hilling Your Potatoes

This is the crucial step for preventing green potatoes (which are toxic) and encouraging more tuber growth. When plants are 6-8 inches tall, mound soil from the sides up around the stem, leaving just the top few leaves exposed. Repeat this process every few weeks. You can also use straw or leaves for hilling, which is sometimes easier.

Caring for Your Potato Crop

Consistent watering is key, providing about 1-2 inches per week. Soak the soil deeply rather than frequent light sprinklings. Mulching with straw helps retain moisture and keeps soil cooler. Watch for pests like Colorado potato beetles—pick them off by hand if you see them. Rotating where you plant potatoes each year helps prevent disease buildup in the soil.

When to Harvest in Kentucky

You can start harvesting “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For your main storage crop, wait until the plant vines have completely died back and turned brown. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and retreive your potatoes. Let them cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks before storing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting in soggy, cold soil. This causes seed pieces to rot.
Using fresh manure or too much nitrogen fertilizer. This leads to huge plants but tiny potatoes.
Not hilling enough. Exposed tubers turn green and become inedible.
Planting in the same spot year after year. This invites pests and soil-borne diseases.

FAQ: Planting Potatoes in Kentucky

Can I plant potatoes in the fall in Kentucky?
It’s possible in some parts of Western Kentucky (Zone 7) for a late fall harvest, but spring planting is much more reliable and recommended for beginners.

What if a late frost comes after I’ve planted?
Potato foliage is sensitive to frost. If a freeze is forecasted after sprouts emerge, cover the plants with row cover, cloth, or even a light layer of straw to protect them.

Can I grow potatoes in containers?
Absolutely. Use a large container (like a 15-gallon pot) with drainage holes. Plant 2-3 seed pieces per pot and follow the same hilling process, adding more potting mix as the plants grow.

How do I store my harvested potatoes?
Store cured potatoes in a cool (45-55°F), dark, and humid place. A basement or root cellar is ideal. Avoid refrigerating them, as cold temperatures convert starch to sugar.

By following these regional timing tips and planting steps, you’ll set your potato patch up for success. The reward of digging up your own homegrown spuds is well worth the wait and a little planning ahead of time makes all the difference.