A Guide to Growing Potatoes in North Texas

Potatoes are a versatile and rewarding crop to grow in your home garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the simple techniques for successfully planting and cultivating potatoes in North Texas. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to grow your own delicious potatoes.

The Ideal Planting Time for Potatoes in North Texas

Finding the right time to plant potatoes is crucial for their successful growth. In North Texas, the best time to plant potatoes is from mid-February through early March. Planting during this period allows the potato plants enough time to establish themselves before the intense heat of summer arrives. By following this timeline, you’ll give your potatoes the best chance for a bountiful harvest.

Sourcing “Seed” Potatoes

When it comes to finding seed potatoes, it’s important to choose a reliable source. Local independent nurseries in North Texas usually have seed potatoes in stock during planting season. A notable nursery to consider is North Haven Gardens, which offers a diverse selection of potatoes that perform well in the area. Avoid purchasing seed potatoes from home improvement stores, as they are often not stored properly and may not be suitable for the North Texas climate. Online suppliers can also be an option, but be cautious as many of them don’t start shipping seed potatoes until March, which is too late for North Texas.

Ames Farm Center is a reputable online supplier that ships seed potatoes at the appropriate planting time. They provide a wide variety of potato types to choose from, ensuring you find the perfect ones for your garden.

Recommended Potato Varieties for North Texas

Certain potato varieties thrive in the North Texas climate. Here are a few recommendations:

• ‘Red laSoda’
• ‘Kennebec’
• ‘Red Pontiac’
• ‘Irish Cobbler’
• ‘Yukon Gold’

These varieties have proven to be successful in the region and are worth considering for your potato-growing endeavors.

Planting Grocery Potatoes

While purchasing organic potatoes from the grocery store might seem like a feasible option, it’s important to approach this method with caution. Grocery potatoes can be used for planting, but they should be organic and purchased from a reputable source. Keep in mind that these potatoes were not specifically grown for replanting, and they may not be certified disease-free. For higher chances of success, it is recommended to use seed potatoes from a nursery or online supplier.

Preparing Potatoes for Planting

Proper preparation is key to ensure your potato plants have a healthy start. Small tubers can be planted as they are, but larger tubers should be cut into pieces, with each piece having one or two “eyes.” To prevent fungal rot, dust the cut pieces with powdered sulfur and let them dry for 4-5 days to allow for callousing.

Planting Techniques for Different Settings

Potatoes can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or containers. Given the heavy clay soil prevalent in North Texas, it’s advisable to opt for raised beds or containers with well-drained soil for easier cultivation. Make sure the chosen planting area receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, as potatoes require ample sunlight for optimal growth.

In-Ground or Raised Bed Planting

Follow these steps if you choose to plant potatoes in the ground or raised beds:

1. Amend the planting area with high-quality compost and, if necessary, incorporate expanded shale to improve heavy clay soil. Mix these additions into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
2. Before planting, incorporate a balanced organic fertilizer, such as Micro Life Multi-Purpose, into the top few inches of the soil.
3. Space your potato plants 12 inches apart and plant them 3-4 inches deep.
4. As the plants grow, gradually mound up the soil around the base of the plant. This encourages potato formation along the stem. Keep mounding the soil until the mounds reach a height of 12 inches.
5. Apply mulch around your potato plants once you’ve completed the mounding process.

Container Planting

Growing potatoes in containers, such as traditional garden containers or “grow bags,” is another viable option. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a container or bag with a capacity of at least 10 gallons for optimal results. For every 3 gallons of container size, you can plant one seed potato.
2. Fill the container with good quality potting soil, like the one available at Nicholson-Hardie, to a depth of 6 inches.
3. Mix a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil according to the product’s directions. Micro Life Multi-Purpose is a recommended choice.
4. Place the seed potatoes on top of the soil and cover them with 2-3 inches of soil.
5. As the sprouts reach 6 inches in height, gradually add more potting soil to the container. The potatoes form along the stem, so continuous soil addition is necessary. Stop when the soil level is 2-3 inches below the container’s top edge.
6. Mulch the soil to retain moisture effectively.

Taking Care of Your Potato Plants

Proper care is essential for healthy potato plants and a successful harvest. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Water your potato plants enough to maintain consistent soil moisture without over-saturating them.
• Protect your plants from pests like potato beetles and flea beetles. Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to prevent the buildup of pests. Dust your plants with food-grade diatomaceous earth weekly, reapplying after rain to deter these pests effectively.

Harvesting and Storing Homegrown Potatoes

Harvesting your potatoes at the right time ensures their optimal flavor and texture. Young potatoes, often referred to as “new potatoes,” can be harvested once the plants start to flower. Gently dig into the soil and pull them out for immediate use. For mature potatoes, wait until the tops of the plants turn yellow and die back. This usually occurs after around 100 days in the ground. Dig into the soil gently to unearth the mature potatoes.

To preserve your freshly harvested potatoes, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid exposure to sunlight, as it can cause them to turn green, rendering them inedible. If any potatoes do turn green, discard them in the compost pile.

Resources and Suppliers

For more information and supplies, consider the following resources:

• Ames Farm Center
• North Haven Gardens
• Micro Life Multi-Purpose Fertilizer
• Nicholson-Hardie

With this guide in hand, you’re ready to embark on your potato-growing journey in North Texas. Enjoy the satisfaction of watching your potatoes flourish and ultimately harvesting your homegrown bounty!