Potatoes are a popular crop to grow in Montana. The climate is ideal for growing potatoes, with plenty of sunshine and warm days to help them grow. Montana soil is also very rich and fertile, making it the perfect place to grow potatoes. With the right combination of soil, water, and sunshine, potatoes can be harvested in as little as three months.
As a bonus, potatoes are a hardy crop and can withstand cold temperatures, so they can be grown in Montana even during the cold winter months. With proper care and attention, growing potatoes in Montana can be a rewarding experience for any gardener.
Montana’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Montana is an expansive state with diverse climates, ranging from semi-arid prairie in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. Growing zones 3 through 6 span the areas of Montana with variable climates, from the cool and rainy Northwest corner of the state, to the dry and sunny regions of the south.
In growing zone 3, temperatures are cool, averaging between -30 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The region can experience extreme weather, including heavy snowfall or icy winds. Summers are generally mild with occasional rainstorms.
Zone 4’s climate is similar to zone 3 but is slightly warmer. Temperatures may reach the low 20s in the winter, and the mid-80s in the summer. Precipitation is higher in this region, with an annual average of 10 to 20 inches.
Zone 5 sees a warmer climate with temperatures ranging from -30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and mid-80s to low 90s in the summer. Precipitation is still higher than zone 3, with an annual average of 20 to 30 inches.
Zone 6 is the warmest of the growing zones, with temperatures ranging from the low 10s to low 90s in the winter and mid-90s to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Precipitation is higher than in the previous zones, averaging between 30 and 40 inches per year. Winters may be cold or mild, and summers are often hot and dry.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Montana, 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 Montana 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 Montana
Potatoes can be planted in Montana in the early spring, when the soil is moist and temperatures are between 40-50°F. Planting should occur 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost date in the area.
- 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 Montana
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 Montana
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.