Growing potatoes in Maine is a popular and rewarding activity among many local farmers and gardeners. Maine is well known for its cold weather and long growing season, which is ideal for growing potatoes. Potatoes thrive in the acidic soil found in Maine, so they are relatively easy to grow. The soil also provides protection from extreme temperatures and pests, making it possible to grow larger, more flavorful potatoes.
Planting potatoes in Maine requires a bit of planning, however, as potatoes need a certain depth, warmth, and moisture to thrive. To ensure a successful harvest, farmers and gardeners in Maine should be sure to select an appropriate variety for their growing conditions, provide adequate drainage, and use a good fertilizer. With the right preparation and care, Maine’s potato farmers and gardeners can enjoy a successful and rewarding harvest.
Maine’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 4b is typically the coldest zone in Maine, with average annual extreme minimum temperatures of -20 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures in this zone typically reach into the 70s and 80s, but can be colder. This zone is favorable for growing many cool-season vegetables and fruits.
Zone 5a has average annual extreme minimum temperatures of -15 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this zone are generally mild, with temperatures reaching into the 80s and occasionally the 90s. This zone is favorable for growing many cool-season vegetables and fruits, as well as some warm-season ones.
Zone 5b has average annual extreme minimum temperatures of -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this zone are generally warm, with maximum temperatures reaching into the 80s and occasionally the 90s. This zone is favorable for growing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, including warm-season crops.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Maine, it is important to be mindful of the variety’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them.
Early-season varieties such as ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Norland’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer.
Mid-season varieties such as ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘Kennebec’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in fall.
Late-season varieties such as ‘Cara Russet’ and ‘All Blue’ have the most days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in early winter. Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date. Some good potato varieties for Maine include:
- Russet Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
- Purple Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Fingerling Potatoes: 90-120 days
- Sweet Potatoes: 90-120 days
- White Potatoes: 90-100 days
- All-Blue Potatoes: 95-105 days
- Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days
When To Plant Potatoes In Maine
The best time to plant potatoes in Maine is typically in early to mid-April, when the soil has warmed and the last chance of frost has passed. Depending on your location, you may be able to plant earlier. Be sure to check your local frost dates.
Additional Resource: Find Your Maine Hardiness Zone
How To Plant Potatoes In Maine
Begin the planting process for seed potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost. Once you have done this, find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes.
Plant the seed potatoes with the “eyes” facing upward, leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each. Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3-4 inches thick, and make sure to water them adequately. As the potatoes start to sprout, add more soil to the rows to keep them adequately buried.
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and remove any weeds from the area. For those living in hot and dry climates, you may want to cover the soil around the potatoes with straw, although this is not essential.
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty easy – they’re incredibly hardy and generally no-fuss. Potato plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth. Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied every four to six weeks, depending on the soil’s nutrient content.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, as potatoes do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the potato plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
When To Harvest Potatoes In Maine
There are two sure ways to know your potatoes are about ready to harvest! The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting date. Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to harvest, so consult the days to harvest for the particular variety of potatoes you’ve planted. If you aren’t sure, assume it’s around 100 days.
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead giveaway. You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back. Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle, which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful.
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting, but don’t allow it to be dry for too long. Once harvested, inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spots.
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process. Once the potatoes have all been dug up, brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any damage. Discard any potatoes that are damaged, as these are not suitable for long-term storage.
Finally, gently place the potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark area for storage. It is important to only store undamaged potatoes, as damaged potatoes can quickly rot.