Potatoes are a popular crop to grow in South Dakota due to the climate and soil type. The cool summer and long, sunny days in the state provide the ideal conditions for potato production. South Dakota is home to some of the most productive potato fields in the United States.
The sandy loam soils found throughout the state are well suited for growing potatoes, as they allow for good drainage and prevent waterlogging. The state is also known for its high yields of potatoes, with many farmers harvesting up to 200 hundred bushels of potatoes per acre. Growing potatoes in South Dakota can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for those looking to raise a profitable crop.
South Dakota’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
South Dakota is a Great Plains state located in the Midwestern United States, with a diverse landscape that includes rolling prairies, vast plains, and majestic mountains. Growing zones 3 through 5 in South Dakota experience a humid continental climate.
Summers are generally hot, with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from 0-30 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common in these zones, averaging anywhere from 18-36 inches annually. The growing season lasts from late April to mid-September, and plants typically need to be well-adapted to cold temperatures and drought.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota
The best time to plant potatoes in South Dakota typically falls between late April and early May, when the soil temperature has reached a consistent 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually when the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm enough for the potatoes to grow. It’s also important to check the soil pH and make sure it’s between 5.5 and 6.5. If not, you’ll need to adjust the soil pH before planting.
The planting dates for potatoes in South Dakota are:
- Zone 3: Around May 1st
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
How To Plant Potatoes In South Dakota
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 South Dakota
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.
