when are you supposed to plant potatoes?

Answer 1

Potatoes are among the earliest vegetables planted in the garden. Early, midseason and late varieties all may be planted in March or early April. Planting too early in damp, cold soils makes it more likely that seed pieces rot before they can grow. Potatoes planted in March also may be frozen back to the ground by late frosts. Plants usually recover fully, but the blackened shoots are always demoralizing to the gardener. Medium-early plantings, when soils have dried and warmed, may do as well as extremely early, winter-defying plantings. Midseason and late varieties may be planted as late as the first of July. Late potatoes are best for winter storage.

Answer 2

Here,in Ireland,it's traditional to plant potatoes on St Patrick's day (March 17th) and these are the first vegetables to go into the ground.
You need seed potatoes that have 'chitted' that is been stored in a cool ,damp free place-a garden shed will do-and that have sprouted white shoots.You can-if your stock is sparse for the plot you have,cut these in two and plant in drills which have been well manured about 1 foot apart.
Depending on temperatures,the new growth will appear in 6-8 weeks and then earth up (so that your rows are now ridged) and cover the new growth thereby providing depth for the new plants.Only let the new plants see daylight when all danger of frost has passed.
Potatoes sown in March will crop around July6 onwards depending on whether you have sown an early or late variety.
If you are planning on a large crop then it;s a good idea to sow some of both to avoid glut and to get a longer harvesting period.
Keep the growing plants well watered especially in hot weather and look out for blight if this is an occurrence in your area.

Answer 3

here in minnesota, we work for commercial potato growers... they have them in the ground by April 15th... I would check the US Dept of Ag site and see if they have a zone chart you could use to determine the best time for your area

Answer 4

Depends on where you live. I think it's best when temperature is at least 10 degree Celsius