Growing potatoes in New Mexico is an excellent option for those looking to produce their own food. Thanks to the state’s warm and dry climate, potatoes can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. Potatoes should be planted in an area with full sun, adequate drainage and deep, loose soil. Soil should be amended with organic compost to provide the best conditions for success.
In addition, potatoes require frequent watering and should be fertilized when they are actively growing. New Mexico’s long growing season allows plenty of time for the potatoes to mature, usually around 2-3 months after planting. With the right care and attention, potatoes can be harvested in the late summer or early fall with a bountiful harvest.
New Mexico’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 4 is found in the northern highlands of the state, where temperatures usually remain below freezing during the winter months. The summers are mild with temperatures rarely rising above 85°F. This area has distinct seasons with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. This is the perfect environment for growing cold-hardy plants such as evergreens, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Zone 5 is found in the high elevations of the central and western parts of the state. This area experiences hot days in the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching 95°F. Winters are also cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. This zone is suitable for growing a variety of plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers.
Zone 6 is found in the southern and western parts of the state. This area experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching over 100°F. This zone is perfect for growing a variety of plants, including heat-loving crops like melons, squash, and peppers.
Hardiness Zones 7 Through 9
Zone 7 is found in the southeastern part of the state. This area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Winters are cool, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. This zone is suitable for growing a variety of plants, including citrus trees, vegetables, and flowers.
Zone 8 is found in the southwestern part of the state. This area experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching over 100°F. This zone is perfect for growing a variety of plants, including heat-loving crops like melons, squash, and peppers.
Zone 9 is found in the southwestern corner of the state. This area experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 115°F. This zone is suitable for growing a variety of plants, including cacti, succulents, and other heat-tolerant plants.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in New Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 Mexico
In New Mexico, the ideal time to plant potatoes is late March to mid-April, when the soil temperature is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows enough time for the potatoes to mature before the summer heat sets in. It is also important to keep in mind that potatoes are a cool-season crop and should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm enough to support germination.
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
- Zone 9: Around February 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In New Mexico
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 Mexico
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.