Growing potatoes in zone 1 is a little bit of a challenge due to the short growing season, but it can be done with proper planning! Some varieties of potatoes do great in very cold climates because they have a shorter period of time to maturity. In this article, we’ll talk about when to plant potatoes in zone 1, how to care for your potato plants, and when you should harvest them.
USDA Hardiness Zone 1 Climate
Zone 1 is in the coldest areas of Canada and the United States, and consists of parts of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Quebec, and Alaska. The climate is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, and long, harsh winters with average temperatures typically below -30°C.
During the summer months, temperatures can still remain cool, with average temperatures typically around 10°C. This makes it pretty ideal for growing potatoes! The growing season in zone 1 is usually just over two months long, beginning around June 4 and ending around August 25. This short growing season is affected by late and early frosts, and is best suited to cold-hardy plants like kale, spinach, and root vegetables.
The Best Seed Potatoes For Zone 1
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in zone 1, 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. Because zone 1’s growing season is so short, it’s best to get them in as early as you can.
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. These cannot be grown in zone 1.
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. These also cannot be grown in zone 1. Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date.
Some good potato varieties for zone 1 include:
- Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
- Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days
When To Plant Potatoes In Zone 1
In zone 1, potatoes should be planted 2 weeks before the final frost date of June 4th. The ideal time to plant potatoes is around the second week of May, when the soil is warm enough for the potatoes to take root and grow. In this zone, you may opt to try and start your seed potatoes indoors a few weeks before their outdoor plant date, but it’s up to you.
How To Plant Potatoes In Zone 1
To plant seed potatoes, begin by preparing the soil for planting. This can be done by tilling the soil to a depth of approximately 8 inches and adding organic compost to the soil. Once the soil is ready, place the seed potatoes in a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.
The seed potatoes should be planted with the “eyes” facing up and should be spaced approximately 8 to 10 inches apart. Cover the seed potatoes with 3-4 inches of soil, and water them well. Once the potatoes begin to sprout, add more soil to the rows to ensure that the potatoes are well covered.
Water the potatoes regularly and keep the area free of weeds.
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 Zone 1
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. 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.
