Potatoes are one of the most rewarding garden crops, producing high yields in a relatively small space. In Kansas, timing, proper seed preparation, and consistent care are key to growing a successful spring or fall potato harvest.
Quick Potato Growing Tips
- Plant spring potatoes around St. Patrick’s Day
- Use certified seed potatoes — never grocery store potatoes
- Hill plants as they grow to increase yield and prevent sunburn
- Water consistently to avoid misshapen tubers
- Harvest once vines begin to die back
🥔When to Plant Potatoes in Kansas
Mid-March, around St. Patrick’s Day, is the traditional time to plant spring potatoes in Kansas. For a fall harvest, plant potatoes in early to mid-July.
🔪 Cutting & Preparing Seed Potatoes
- Select firm, solid certified seed potatoes.
- Cut tubers into 1.5–2 ounce pieces.
- An average potato is cut into four pieces; large potatoes into six.
- Allow cut pieces to cure in a warm, humid location for 2–3 days.
- This healing process prevents rotting after planting.
Always purchase certified seed potatoes. Do not plant potatoes from the produce section.
📏 Spacing & Planting Depth
- Space seed pieces 12 inches apart.
- Plant rows 3 feet apart.
- Spring planting depth: less than 2 inches.
- Fall planting depth: 4–5 inches.
🌱Potato Care & Hilling
Potatoes form along the main stem above the seed piece. As plants grow, pull loose soil along the row to create a ridge or hill.
- Hill plants gradually as they grow.
- Final hill height should be 8–12 inches.
- Hilling increases yield and prevents sunburned tubers.
- Potatoes prefer loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Consistent watering is critical. Irregular watering reduces yields and can cause knobby or misshapen potatoes. Mulch can help maintain even soil moisture.
🧺Harvesting Potatoes
- New potatoes can be harvested early by gently removing select plants.
- Begin main harvest when vines are about half dead.
- Remove excess vines before digging.
- Allow tubers to dry on the soil surface for a day or more.
- Cure potatoes in a cool, dark location.
The ideal storage temperature is below 40°F in a dark, well-ventilated space.