Growing potatoes in Minnesota is a popular activity for many gardeners. Potatoes thrive in the rich soil of the Midwest and require minimal care. Potatoes can be planted from early April to late May, when soil temperatures reach at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting in rows and using a rototiller to turn the soil will help ensure that the potatoes form properly.
When choosing a variety, consider the growing season as well as the desired flavor. Once the potatoes are planted, make sure to weed and water them regularly. Once the plants are mature, they can be harvested and enjoyed. With a bit of care and attention, growing potatoes in Minnesota can be a rewarding and tasty experience!
Minnesota’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Minnesota is a great place to garden, but it can be challenging due to its northern climate. The state is divided into five hardiness zones, with Zones 3 and 4 covering the majority of the state. Zone 3 is the coldest zone, with average winter temperatures reaching as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
This area experiences cold, long winters and short summers that last from June to August. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the short growing season, it is important to choose cold-hardy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and cabbage.
Zone 4 has slightly milder winters, with average temperatures reaching as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this zone are longer, lasting from May to September. Temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardeners in this zone can grow a wider variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Overall, Minnesota’s climate is unpredictable and can be difficult to predict. Gardeners should always be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Potatoes should be planted in Minnesota beginning in late April or early May, as soon as the soil can be worked. The soil should be worked to a depth of 8-10 inches and all large rocks and clods should be removed. Planting should be completed before the end of June to ensure that the potatoes have a chance to mature before the first fall frost. The planting dates for potatoes in Minnesota are:
- Zone 3: Around May 1st
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
How To Plant Potatoes In Minnesota
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 Minnesota
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.
