Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in New Jersey, and it is possible to grow them in the Garden State. Potatoes thrive in the warm climate and long growing season found in New Jersey, and they can be planted in the spring or fall. The soil type should be sandy and well-drained, and the soil should be amended with plenty of compost to help the potatoes develop.
When planting potatoes, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to the climate and soil type. Potatoes require plenty of sunlight and water to grow, but too much water can cause the potatoes to rot. With the right care and attention, growing potatoes in New Jersey can be a rewarding experience.
New Jersey’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
New Jersey, located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is divided into 6 distinct climatic zones. Zones 6a through 7b is located in the northern, more temperate region of the state.
Zone 6a consists of the extreme northern portion of the state and has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 30-60F in the winter to 70-90F in the summer. Winters are typically cold, with snowfall occurring between December and March. Summers are typically hot and humid with thunderstorms and occasional flooding.
Zone 6b is located in the middle part of the state and has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are milder here than in 6a, with temperatures ranging from 25-60F in the winter and 70-90F in the summer. Snowfall is less likely to occur and is usually limited to December and January. Summers are hot and humid, with thunderstorms and occasional flooding.
Zone 7a is located in the southernmost portion of the state and has a milder, humid subtropical climate. Average temperatures range from 20-60F in the winter to 75-95F in the summer. Winters are mild, with snowfall occurring rarely. Summers are hot and humid, with thunderstorms and occasional flooding.
Zone 7b is located in the extreme southern part of the state and has a tropical climate. Average temperatures range from 70-90F year round. The area is generally warm and humid with thunderstorms and occasional flooding. Hurricanes can occur during the summer months.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in New Jersey, 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 Jersey 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 Jersey
In New Jersey, the best time to plant potatoes is in late March or early April, once the soil has had a chance to thaw out and when nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing. Planting potatoes in New Jersey before the soil is warm enough and the risk of frost has passed can result in poor growth and stunted yields.
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
How To Plant Potatoes In New Jersey
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 Jersey
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.