Growing potatoes in West Virginia can be a rewarding experience for any farmer. The soil in West Virginia is well suited for growing potatoes, as it is rich in nutrients and has excellent drainage. Potatoes are a great crop to grow in West Virginia as they are easy to care for and produce a large yield.
When planting potatoes in West Virginia, it is important to make sure they get enough sun, water, and fertilizer. Potatoes need to be harvested at the right time in order to ensure a good yield. With proper care, West Virginia farmers can enjoy a plentiful harvest of potatoes each year.
West Virginia’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
West Virginia spans growing zones 5 through 7 and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters in these growing zones are cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging from 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring arrives in late March or early April and brings a mix of warm temperatures and rain. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and frequent rain showers. Fall is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is plentiful in all seasons, and average annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 50 inches in these growing zones.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia
In West Virginia, potatoes should be planted in late March to early April. This ensures that the soil is warm enough for the potatoes to germinate and grow. It is best to wait until the soil temperature is between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting too early can increase the risk of frost damage. The planting dates are:
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
How To Plant Potatoes In West Virginia
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 West Virginia
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.
