4 min readIf you're wondering how to grow potatoes, you'll be happy to know it's simpler than you might expect. These versatile vegetables thrive in backyard gardens, raised beds, and even containers, so you don't need a large yard or specialized tools to enjoy a successful harvest. With plenty of sunshine, well-draining soil, and consistent care, you can grow fresh potatoes perfect for everything from creamy mashed potatoes to crispy homemade fries.
One of the most rewarding parts of growing potatoes is the harvest itself. Hidden beneath the soil, the tubers develop quietly until it's time to dig them up—a process that's both fun and satisfying. Read on to learn how to grow potatoes in your veggie garden, including the best planting methods, watering tips, ongoing care, and when to harvest for the best results.
Potato Plant Basics
- Common Name: Potato
- Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
- Family: Solanaceae (the nightshade family)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter
- Mature Size: Vines up to three feet tall; tubers develop underground
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in all zones
- Native Area: South America
- Toxic to Pets: Yes (leaves and green potatoes can be toxic)
How to Care for Potato Plants
Potatoes are typically grown from “seed potatoes,” which are just small tubers saved from previous crops. You can buy certified disease-free seed potatoes or use organic ones from your pantry that have started sprouting. Plant them in early spring, about two to four weeks before your last expected frost.
Cut larger seed potatoes into chunks with at least one or two “eyes” (the little bumps where sprouts emerge), then let them sit out for a day or two so the cut surfaces can callus over. This helps prevent rotting once planted.
Plant them three to four inches deep in rows or containers, spaced about 12 inches apart. As the plants grow, you'll need to “hill” them, which means to mound soil or compost around the base of the plants, to protect the developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and bitter).
Sunlight
Potatoes love full sun and need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. A bright, open location is best to keep the plants vigorous and productive.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Potatoes don’t like to sit in soggy soil, but they also don’t tolerate drought. A deep, thorough watering once or twice a week is often enough, depending on your climate. Consistent moisture is especially important when the plants are flowering—that’s when the tubers are forming.
Soil Type
Loose, loamy soil is ideal. Potatoes need room to expand underground, so compacted or rocky soil can lead to oddly shaped tubers. If your native soil is heavy clay, try growing in raised beds or large containers filled with compost-rich potting mix.
Fertilizer
Potatoes are hungry plants. Mix compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time, and consider feeding again halfway through the growing season, especially if your soil is light or sandy.
Common Diseases and Pest Issues
Potatoes can fall prey to a few pests, including Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and flea beetles. Keep an eye out for holes in leaves and hand-pick any pests you see. Covering young plants with floating row covers can help early on.
Fungal issues like early blight or late blight can show up in wet, humid conditions. To prevent this, don’t water from overhead, and be sure to rotate crops each year so potatoes aren’t planted in the same spot season after season.
How to Harvest Potatoes
You can begin harvesting “new potatoes” about two to three weeks after the plants flower. These are small, tender, and perfect for steaming or roasting. For full-size spuds, wait until the foliage dies back completely, which usually happens around 90 to 120 days after planting.
Use a garden fork or your hands to gently dig around the base of the plant. Be careful not to stab the potatoes! Let them sit out for a few hours to dry off, then store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Don’t wash them before storing—just brush off the excess soil and save the rinsing for when you’re ready to cook.
Popular Potato Types to Plant
- Yukon Gold: A buttery, yellow-fleshed variety that's great for roasting, boiling, or mashing.
- Red Norland: A red-skinned early potato with creamy white flesh, perfect for new potatoes.
- Russet Burbank: A classic baking potato, with fluffy, dry flesh. Great for fries and mashed potatoes.
- Purple Majesty: A potato with eye-catching purple skin and flesh. High in antioxidants and flavor.
Are Potatoes Toxic to Pets?
Yes, but only certain parts. The green parts of the plant (stems, leaves, and unripe tubers) contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic if eaten in large quantities. Keep pets (and curious toddlers!) away from growing plants, and never feed them green or sprouted potatoes. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, call your vet right away.
