Growing potatoes in Wyoming can be a great experience. The state has a climate that is ideal for a variety of potato varieties so that you can grow many different types of potatoes. The soil in Wyoming is usually well-drained and has a pH that is suitable for potato growth, so you won’t have to worry about nutrient deficiencies.
With the right care and attention, you can have a successful potato crop in Wyoming. To get started, make sure to choose a variety that is well suited for the climate, and make sure to appropriately space your potatoes. When it comes to watering, potatoes require a deep but infrequent watering schedule. Fertilize lightly and make sure to check for pests and diseases. With the right care, your potato crop in Wyoming can be a success.
Wyoming’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Wyoming offers a wide variety of climates across its different growing zones. Zone 3, located in the northern part of the state, has a cold, continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is around 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months.
Zone 4 has a slightly milder climate, with an average annual temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures ranging from -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months.
Zone 5 has a colder climate with an average annual temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures ranging from -25 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months.
Finally, Zone 6 has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months to 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming
The ideal time to plant potatoes in Wyoming is typically in mid-April. Potato planting can begin as soon as the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work. It’s important to wait until the ground has reached a temperature of around 40°F or higher. This helps ensure that the potato plants will establish themselves and grow properly.
- Zone 3: Around May 1st
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
How To Plant Potatoes In Wyoming
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 Wyoming
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.