Growing potatoes in Maryland is a great way to enjoy fresh, nutritious potatoes all season long. Potatoes can be planted as early as May and can be harvested in late August or early September. It is important to select a suitable variety for the climate. The soil should be loose and well-draining, and it should be amended with compost to ensure adequate nutrients.
Since potatoes need a lot of water, mulching the plants with straw or plastic will help retain moisture. Regularly hilling or mounding soil around the plants will help ensure good yields. Harvesting can be done when the potatoes are mature, with the tubers reaching the desired size. With proper care and attention, growing potatoes in Maryland can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Maryland’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Maryland has a wide range of climates, depending on the growing zone. Zone 5a is located in the northern and western parts of the state, and has cold winters, with temperatures dropping to negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are mild with temperatures reaching up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 6a is located in the north-central part of Maryland, and has cold winters, with temperatures dropping to negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are mild with temperatures reaching up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 7a is located in the central and southern parts of Maryland and has milder winters, with temperatures dropping to between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 8a is located in the southern part of Maryland, and has mild winters, with temperatures dropping to between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are hot with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Maryland, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland
Potatoes can be planted in Maryland from mid-March to mid-May. The soil should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before seeding potatoes. If the soil is too cold, the potatoes won’t grow properly. Planting too late in the season can result in an early frost, which can damage the crop. To maximize yields, potatoes should be planted as soon as the soil is workable in the spring.
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Maryland
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 Maryland
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.