When To Plant Potatoes In Tennessee

If you’re planning your garden in the Volunteer State, knowing when to plant potatoes in Tennessee is the most important step for a great harvest. Getting the timing right makes all the difference between a bumper crop and disappointing yield.

This guide will walk you through the best planting times for your specific area, along with proven tips for success. Let’s get your spuds in the ground at the perfect moment.

Tennessee’s climate varies from the Appalachian highlands to the Mississippi plains. This means your planting date depends heavily on where you live. A good rule of thumb is to plant your potatoes as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.

For most gardeners, this is about 2-4 weeks before the last expected spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 45°F (7°C). Planting in cool (but not frozen) soil helps prevent rot and gives tubers a strong start.

Planting Dates by Tennessee Region

Here’s a breakdown for the state’s three grand divisions:

East Tennessee (Mountains & Plateau): The last frost is later here. Aim for late March to mid-April. In higher elevations, you may need to wait until late April.
Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Clarksville): This region has a more reliable window. Target early March to early April. Many gardeners plant around St. Patrick’s Day as a traditional marker.
West Tennessee (Memphis, Jackson): This area warms up first. You can often plant safely from mid-February through late March. Keep a eye on the long-term forecast for late cold snaps.

Signs Your Soil is Ready

Don’t just rely on the calendar. Check these conditions before you plant:

The soil is no longer soggy or clumping. Grab a handful—it should crumble easily.
It has dried out enough from winter rains that it doesn’t form a muddy ball.
A soil thermometer reads a consistent 45°F or above at planting depth (about 4 inches).

Choosing the Right Potato Variety

Picking a variety suited to Tennessee’s growing season improves your results. All potatoes fall into three main categories based on how long they take to mature.

Early Season (70-90 days): Like ‘Red Norland’ or ‘Yukon Gold’. These are great for an early summer harvest and escape the worst summer heat.
Mid-Season (90-110 days): Such as ‘Kennebec’ or ‘Gold Rush’. These are reliable workhorses for a main crop.
Late Season (110-135 days): Like ‘Russet Burbank’. These need a longer, cooler growing period and can be trickier in hot Tennessee summers.

For beginners, early and mid-season varieties are often the most succesful. They mature before the peak summer heat and humidity arrives.

A Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for planting your potato seed pieces correctly.

Source Seed Potatoes: Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center. Do not use grocery store potatoes, which are often treated to prevent sprouting.
Chit or Pre-sprout (Optional): Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot for 2-3 weeks before planting. This encourages strong, short sprouts and can give you a harvest a bit earlier.
Cut and Cure: Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, each with at least 1-2 eyes. Let them cure for 1-2 days so the cut surface calluses over, reducing rot risk.
Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-drained soil. Work in plenty of compost or aged manure. They prefer a slightly acidic soil pH (5.8 to 6.5).
Plant: Dig a trench about 6 inches deep. Place seed pieces cut-side down, 12 inches apart. Rows should be 2-3 feet apart. Cover with 4 inches of soil.
Hill as They Grow: When plants are 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around the stems, leaving a few inches of leaves exposed. Repeat this every few weeks. Hilling protects tubers from sunlight and encourages more potatoes to form.

Can You Plant Potatoes in Fall?

In some parts of Tennessee, especially West and Middle, you can plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. The timing is critical—you need to get them in the ground about 110 days before your first hard fall frost. This is usually around early August.

Fall planting can be challenging because the soil is very hot and dry. You’ll need to provide consistent moisture and mulch heavily to keep soil cool. It’s worth a try if you want a late autumn harvest!

Common Growing Challenges in Tennessee

Our climate brings specific issues. Here’s how to manage them:

Heat & Drought: Mulch heavily with straw or leaves to conserve moisture and cool the soil. Water deeply once a week if rain is lacking.
Pests: Colorado potato beetles are the main enemy. Hand-pick adults and larvae off plants. Row covers can provide a physical barrier early in the season.
Disease: Fungal diseases like early blight thrive in humid summers. Rotate your potato crop to a new spot each year. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Choose resistant varieties when possible.

Harvesting Your Tennessee Potatoes

Harvest “new” potatoes when plants flower, about 7-8 weeks after planting. For your main storage crop, wait until the plant vines have completely died back. Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers from the soil.

Let potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks. This toughens their skin for storage. After curing, store them in a cool, dark, and humid location. Properly cured potatoes can last for several months.

FAQ: Best Planting Times For Potatoes

What is the absolute latest I can plant potatoes in Tennessee?
For a spring crop, try to get them in the ground by late April to early May at the latest. Planting later risks the tubers developing during the hottest part of summer, which can reduce yeild and quality.

Can I plant potatoes from the supermarket?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with a sprout inhibitor and may carry diseases that can persist in your soil for years. Certified seed potatoes are a safer investment.

How do I protect my potatoes from a late spring frost?
If sprouts emerge and a frost is forecast, simply hill extra soil or pile straw mulch over the emerging foliage to protect it. They will regrow if damaged slightly.

Do potatoes need full sun?
Yes, they perform best with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Less sun leads to fewer tubers and smaller plants that are more suseptible to disease.

What should I plant after I harvest my potatoes?
Potatoes are heavy feeders. Follow them with a soil-building crop like beans or peas, or add compost and plant a fall crop of leafy greens like spinach or kale.

By following these regional timing guidelines and planting tips, you’ll be well on your way to a productive potato patch. Remember, the key is to work with Tennessee’s unique seasons—getting your potatoes started in the cool spring soil and harvested before or after the intense summer heat. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy homegrown potatoes from your own backyard.