Growing potatoes in New Hampshire can be a rewarding experience. With the right kind of soil and climate, you can grow a variety of potatoes to suit your needs. New Hampshire has a cool climate and plenty of sunshine, which is ideal for growing potatoes. The soil should be loose and well-draining, which allows the roots to grow deep and receive plenty of nutrients.
You can harvest potatoes in the late summer or early fall, once the foliage has died back. Potatoes can be stored for several months, so you can enjoy them all winter long. With proper care and maintenance, growing potatoes in New Hampshire can be a fun and rewarding experience.
New Hampshire’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
New Hampshire’s growing zones 3 through 6 have a variety of climates depending on the season and region. Winters in these zones tend to be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to below freezing and sometimes even below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall amounts vary but generally range from 20 to 40 inches throughout the winter months.
Spring brings temperatures that slowly increase, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures tend to average in the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit, with humidity levels increasing. Fall temperatures are cooler, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is generally consistent throughout all seasons, and precipitation levels range from 30 to 40 inches per year.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
The best time to plant potatoes in New Hampshire is typically in late April or early May when the soil has warmed to at least 45°F. Planting potatoes too early in cold soil can lead to poor germination while waiting too long can result in a smaller harvest.
- 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 New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire
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.