Growing potatoes in Tennessee is a great way to enjoy a delicious harvest. The state’s mild climate, humid air, and ample rainfall provide ideal conditions for growing potatoes. The soil in Tennessee is rich in nutrients and can be amended to create ideal growing conditions. Potatoes can be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, and will be ready for harvest in late summer or early fall.
When planting potatoes, it is important to choose varieties that are suited to the climate and soil type. When harvesting, potatoes should be dug carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the tubers. With a little care, potatoes can be a rewarding and delicious addition to a Tennessee garden.
Tennessee’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 5b encompasses the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and is characterized by cold and harsh winters. Temperatures in this zone range from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the average last frost date is late April. Summer temperatures in zone 5b are mild and comfortable and the average first frost date is late September.
Zone 6a encompasses the middle elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and has similar temperatures to zone 5b. The average last frost date is mid-April and the average first frost date is mid-October.
Zone 6b covers the lower elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and is the warmest and mildest zone of the Appalachian Mountains. The average last frost date is late March and the average first frost date is late October. Temperatures in this zone range from -5 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 7a covers the western part of Tennessee and is a moderate climate. The average last frost date is early April and the average first frost date is early November. Temperatures in this zone range from 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 7b covers the middle and eastern parts of Tennessee and is a warmer climate than the other zones. The average last frost date is mid-March and the average first frost date is mid-October. Temperatures in this zone range from 5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zone 8a covers the eastern part of Tennessee and is the warmest zone in the state. The average last frost date is late February and the average first frost date is late September. Temperatures in this zone range from 10 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Potatoes should be planted in Tennessee in late March or early April when the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal planting time for potatoes in Tennessee is between March 15th and April 15th. Those dates by zone are:
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Tennessee
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 Tennessee
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.
