Potatoes are a staple crop in Kentucky, and it is not hard to understand why. Kentucky has a good overall climate for growing potatoes, which can be grown in most parts of the state. The soil in Kentucky is well suited for potatoes, and the ample sunlight and adequate rainfall help to make the crop a success. Potatoes can be planted in the spring or in late summer.
The key to a successful potato harvest is to provide adequate drainage and to keep the soil moist. Proper fertilization is also important, as potatoes require a good amount of nitrogen and other nutrients in order to produce a quality crop. With the right conditions, potatoes can be an excellent crop for Kentucky farmers.
Kentucky’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Kentucky is a beautiful state with a diverse climate. Growing zones 6 and 7 are particularly well-suited for a wide variety of plants as they experience distinct seasons and an ample amount of rainfall. Zone 6 is located in the northern part of the state and its climate is milder than other parts of Kentucky. The average high temperature in summer hovers around 82°F (28°C), while the average low temperature in winter falls to around 28°F (-2°C). This zone receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 44 inches (112 cm) annually.
Zone 7 is located in the western part of the state and experiences slightly warmer temperatures than zone 6. The average high temperature in summer can reach 88°F (31°C), while the average low temperature in winter drops to about 24°F (-4°C). This zone experiences a little more precipitation than zone 6, with an average of 48 inches (122 cm) of rain per year. Overall, both of these zones offer a great climate for growing a wide variety of plants due to their distinct seasons and ample rainfall. With careful planning, gardeners in these zones can have a successful and enjoyable gardening experience.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
In Kentucky, potatoes should be planted in the spring, anytime from March to the end of May. Planting too early can result in poor germination due to cold temperatures. Planting too late can reduce yields due to shorter growing season. The ideal planting time for potatoes in Kentucky is from mid-April to the end of May. Planting dates for potatoes in Kentucky are:
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
How To Plant Potatoes In Kentucky
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 Kentucky
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.
