If you’re wondering when to plant potatoes in WV, you’re in the right place. Getting the timing right is the first step to a great harvest, and West Virginia’s unique climate makes it a key detail.
Planting at the correct moment helps your potatoes avoid late frosts and beat the summer heat. This guide will walk you through the best dates, how to prepare, and simple tips for success in the Mountain State.
When to Plant Potatoes in WV
The classic rule for planting potatoes is to get them in the ground around the time of your last spring frost. For most of West Virginia, this target window falls between late March and mid-April.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown by region:
- Southern Lowlands & Ohio Valley: Areas like Huntington and Parkersburg can often start planting in late March to early April.
- Central Regions & Ridges: For cities like Charleston and Elkins, aim for early to mid-April.
- Eastern Panhandle & Higher Elevations: In places like Martinsburg or mountainous areas, wait until mid to late April, as frosts persist longer.
A great natural sign to watch for is the blooming of dandelions and redbud trees. When you see them, your soil is warming up and it’s nearly time.
Understanding Your Planting Windows
Potatoes need cool weather to start growing but can’t handle a hard freeze. The goal is to have them sprouting in soil that is at least 45°F. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check.
Many gardeners also follow the traditional date of St. Patrick’s Day as a starting point for planning. However, in West Virginia, that date is often too early for all but the most southern spots. Always check your local frost dates first.
Can You Plant Potatoes in Fall?
In some milder parts of the state, a fall planting is possible for a late autumn harvest. This is a more advanced technique and requires selecting fast-maturing varieties. You would plant them about 110 days before your first expected fall frost, usually in late July or early August.
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties for WV
Picking types that suit our growing season is important. You have three main categories based on how long they take to mature.
- Early Season (70-90 days): These are excellent for getting a quick harvest before peak summer heat. Try ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Norland’, or ‘Irish Cobbler’.
- Mid-Season (90-110 days): A reliable choice for most gardeners. Includes popular varieties like ‘Kennebec’ and ‘Viking Purple’.
- Late Season (110-135 days): Best for storage and fall harvests. ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘Katahdin’ are good options if you have a long, cool season.
Consider planting a mix of early and mid-season types. This spreads out your harvest and gives you a better chance against unpredictable weather.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once your timing is set, follow these steps to plant your potatoes correctly.
- Source Seed Potatoes: Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a garden center, not grocery store spuds. Grocery potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting.
- Chit or Pre-sprout (Optional): Place your seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot for 2-4 weeks before planting. This encourages strong, short sprouts and can give you a head start.
- Cut and Cure: Cut larger seed potatoes into pieces, each with at least 2-3 “eyes” or sprouts. Let them cure for 1-2 days so the cut surface forms a callus, which helps prevent rot.
- Prepare the Soil: Potatoes need loose, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.5). Work in plenty of compost or aged manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause scab disease.
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig a trench or individual holes about 4-6 inches deep. Place the seed piece with the eyes facing up. Space them 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Cover with 3-4 inches of soil.
- Initial Watering: Water them in well after planting to settle the soil around the seed piece.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Proper care after planting ensures healthy plants and a bigger yield.
Hilling is Essential
As your plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, gently mound soil around the stems, leaving just the top few leaves exposed. Repeat this process every few weeks. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more potatoes to form.
Watering and Feeding
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when they are flowering and forming tubers. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Too much nitrogen leads to lots of leaves and few potatoes. A side dressing of compost when you hill is usually sufficient.
Pest and Disease Watch
Common issues in WV include the Colorado potato beetle and blight. Check the undersides of leaves regularly for beetle eggs and larvae. Remove them by hand if you can. For blight, ensure good airflow, water at the soil level, and rotate your crops each year.
Harvesting Your West Virginia Potatoes
You can start harvesting “new” potatoes about 2-3 weeks after the plants finish flowering. For mature, storage potatoes, wait until the plant vines have turned yellow and died back completely.
Use a digging fork on a dry day, starting far from the main stem to avoid spearing tubers. Let the potatoes cure on the soil surface for a few hours, then brush off dirt and store in a cool, dark, humid place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest you can plant potatoes in West Virginia?
For a main crop, aim to have them in the ground by late May at the absolute latest. Planting after this risks the tubers developing during the hottest part of summer, which can reduce your yield.
Can I plant potatoes from the store?
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 potatoes from a late frost?
If sprouts emerge and a frost is forecast, you can cover the plants with straw, frost cloth, or even extra soil. Potatoes are somewhat resilient from a light frost, especially if they are protected.
What are good companion plants for potatoes?
Beans, corn, and cabbage family plants are good neighbors. Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers, as they are all related and share similar pests and diseases.
By following these timing and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting a succesful crop of homegrown potatoes. The key is to work with West Virginia’s seasons, prepare your soil well, and stay consistent with your care. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a potato you grew yourself.