Potatoes can be successfully grown in Zone 3 as they have a short growing season and are tolerant of cold temperatures. Potatoes are planted in early spring, usually in mid-April, and are planted after the soil has warmed up and the last frost has passed. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Knowing when to plant potatoes in zone 3 is key to
Potatoes require anywhere from 80 to 120 days to reach maturity. During the growing season, potatoes should be watered regularly and weeds should be kept under control. At the end of the growing season, potatoes can be harvested and stored for use in the winter.
USDA Hardiness Zone 3 Climate
Before attempting to grow potatoes in zone 3, it’s important to know a little bit more about the climate. USDA hardiness zone 3 is a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average first frost date is usually around September 30th, and the average last frost date is usually around May 15th. This leaves 138 days for growing potatoes.
Temperatures can range from minus 30 to plus 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Precipitation is generally moderate and evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall occurring in late autumn and early winter.
Winters are usually cold and snowy, whereas summers are usually warm and humid. The growing season is generally around 120-140 days, and the growing zone is suitable for a variety of plants and trees.
The Best Seed Potatoes For Zone 3
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Zone 3, 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 zone 3 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 Zone 3
If you want to grow a great crop of potatoes, it is best to get started when the weather is cool. Plant the potatoes 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost in the spring, and make sure the soil temperature is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In zone 3, the final frost date is usually around May 15th, meaning you will want to sow your seed potatoes around May 1st.
It is important to consider, however, that your particular microclimate may add some variation to these dates. Before planting seed potatoes, look at the extended 2-week forecast in your area. If it seems like freezing weather could persist beyond May 15th, it’s better to wait.
How To Plant Potatoes In Zone 3
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 3
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 potato you’ve planted. If you aren’t sure, assume it’s around 100 days.
The appearance of your potato plants are 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.
