Potatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow.
Plant them once, and with the right care, you’ll end up with a delicious harvest buried beneath the soil, ready to be dug up like buried treasure.
But growing potatoes isn’t as simple as sticking them in the ground and waiting for them to sprout.
Many gardeners make common mistakes that lead to small yields, diseased plants, or even no potatoes at all.
The good news?
Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for.
By understanding what potatoes need and what they absolutely can’t tolerate, you’ll be on your way to a successful harvest.
Let’s look at the most common potato-growing mistakes and how to avoid them so you can enjoy a bountiful crop of fresh, homegrown spuds.
Planting Potatoes Too Early or Too Late
Timing plays a huge role in whether your potato crop thrives or struggles.
Plant too early, and your potatoes might rot in the cold, damp soil before they even have a chance to sprout.
Plant too late, and they might not have enough time to grow before the season ends, leaving you with small, underdeveloped potatoes.
Potatoes need soil temperatures of at least 45°F (7°C) to sprout properly.
If you plant them before the soil has warmed up enough, the seed potatoes can sit in the cold, wet ground for too long.
Instead of growing, they may start to rot, especially if the weather remains chilly and damp.
Fungal diseases also thrive in cool, wet conditions, making early planting even riskier.
On the other hand, waiting too long to plant can also cause problems.
Potatoes need a long growing season to develop properly.
If you plant them too late, especially in regions with hot summers, they may struggle in the heat and fail to produce a good harvest.
Potatoes prefer cool weather during their early growth stages, and high temperatures can lead to stunted plants and poor tuber development.
So when is the best time to plant potatoes?
For most gardeners, early spring is ideal.
A good rule of thumb is to plant potatoes about two to four weeks before your last expected frost date.
If you’re unsure, use a soil thermometer to check that the soil is consistently above 45°F (7°C).
In warm climates where summers get hot quickly, planting in late winter or very early spring can help ensure a successful crop before the heat sets in.
If you miss the early planting window, you can try planting a fall crop.
Just make sure there’s enough time for the potatoes to mature before the first frost.
By getting your timing right, you’ll give your potatoes the best possible start, leading to a bigger, healthier harvest.
Using the Wrong Type of Seed Potatoes
Not all potatoes are the same, and using the wrong type of seed potatoes can lead to poor growth, disease, or even a complete crop failure.
One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is using store-bought potatoes instead of certified seed potatoes.
Supermarket potatoes may seem like a convenient option, but they often come with hidden problems.
Many store-bought potatoes are treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting, which means they won’t grow well—or at all—when planted.
Even if they do sprout, they can carry diseases that could spread to your soil and affect future crops.
Certified seed potatoes, on the other hand, are specifically grown for planting.
They are free from diseases and are more likely to produce a healthy, productive crop.
When buying seed potatoes, look for ones that are firm and have multiple “eyes,” which are the small buds that will sprout into stems.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong variety for your climate or growing season.
Some potatoes are better suited for cooler climates, while others can handle heat better.
For example, early-season potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Norland grow quickly and are ideal for short growing seasons.
Mid-season and late-season varieties, such as Russet or Kennebec, take longer to mature but often produce larger yields.
If you live in a hot climate, look for heat-tolerant varieties, as some potatoes struggle in high temperatures.
The way you prepare your seed potatoes before planting is also important.
Cutting large seed potatoes into smaller pieces with at least one or two eyes per piece can help maximize your yield.
However, it’s crucial to let the cut pieces dry for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rot.
By choosing the right seed potatoes and preparing them properly, you’ll set your garden up for success and avoid one of the most common potato-growing mistakes.
Ignoring Soil Quality and Preparation
Potatoes may be tough plants, but they won’t thrive in just any soil.
If you ignore soil quality and preparation, you could end up with stunted plants, low yields, or even diseased potatoes.
The best potato crops start with loose, well-draining soil that allows tubers to expand easily.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is planting potatoes in compacted or heavy clay soil.
When the soil is too dense, the developing potatoes don’t have enough room to grow properly, leading to small, misshapen tubers.
Compacted soil also holds too much moisture, which increases the risk of rot and fungal diseases.
On the other hand, soil that is too sandy may drain too quickly, leaving potatoes without enough moisture to develop properly.
To fix this, work organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or peat moss into your soil before planting.
This improves both drainage and moisture retention, giving potatoes the perfect growing environment.
Another common mistake is not testing the soil before planting.
Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
If the soil is too alkaline, potatoes are more likely to develop scab, a rough, corky disease that ruins their appearance.
A simple soil test can help you determine the pH and nutrient levels in your soil.
If the pH is too high, adding sulfur or peat moss can help lower it.
Potatoes are also heavy feeders, meaning they pull a lot of nutrients from the soil as they grow.
Skipping fertilization or planting in depleted soil can lead to weak plants and small yields.
Before planting, mix a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, into the soil.
Avoid using fresh manure or too much nitrogen, as these can cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of tuber production.
By taking the time to prepare your soil properly, you’ll give your potatoes the best possible start, leading to a larger and healthier harvest.
Watering Mistakes: Too Much or Too Little
Watering potatoes might seem simple, but getting it wrong can lead to poor growth, disease, or even a ruined crop.
Potatoes need consistent moisture, but too much or too little water can cause major problems.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is overwatering.
When potatoes sit in overly wet soil, their roots and tubers become susceptible to rot.
Excess moisture also creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases, such as late blight, which can wipe out an entire crop.
If you notice yellowing leaves, wilting, or a foul smell coming from the soil, you might be overwatering.
On the other hand, not watering enough can cause potatoes to dry out and stop developing properly.
Without enough moisture, the tubers may stay small, crack, or develop irregular shapes.
A common sign of underwatering is wilted, dry, or curled leaves.
So, how do you find the right balance?
A good rule of thumb is to provide about one to two inches of water per week, including rainfall.
During hot or dry periods, potatoes may need a little more.
The best way to check if your potatoes need water is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
If it’s still damp, hold off for a day or two.
When watering, avoid overhead sprinklers, as wet leaves can encourage disease.
Instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plants, ensuring that moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
Mulching around your potato plants with straw, grass clippings, or dried leaves can also help retain moisture and prevent soil from drying out too quickly.
By managing your watering routine carefully, you’ll keep your potato plants healthy and maximize your harvest.
Harvesting at the Wrong Time
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting potatoes.
Dig them up too early, and you’ll end up with tiny, underdeveloped potatoes that haven’t had enough time to grow.
Wait too long, and the potatoes may start sprouting, turning green, or even rotting in the soil.
Knowing when to harvest is key to getting the best quality potatoes.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is harvesting potatoes too soon.
It can be tempting to start digging once you see the plants flowering, but this is usually too early for a full harvest.
While new potatoes—small, tender tubers—can be carefully dug up about two to three weeks after the plants flower, main crop potatoes need more time.
For full-sized storage potatoes, you’ll need to wait until the plant has completely died back.
When the leaves and stems turn yellow and dry out, it’s a sign that the plant has finished growing, and the potatoes underground have reached their full size.
Another common mistake is leaving potatoes in the ground for too long.
If the soil is too wet, potatoes can start rotting before you even dig them up.
If they are exposed to too much light, they may turn green, which makes them toxic to eat.
To avoid these problems, harvest potatoes in dry weather and store them properly as soon as they are dug up.
After harvesting, it’s important to cure your potatoes before storing them.
Lay them out in a cool, dark place for about one to two weeks to allow their skins to harden.
This helps them last longer in storage and prevents bruising.
By harvesting at the right time and handling them properly, you’ll get the most out of your potato crop and enjoy homegrown spuds for months to come.
Final Thoughts
Growing potatoes is rewarding, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results.
By planting at the right time, using quality seed potatoes, preparing the soil properly, and managing water carefully, you’ll set yourself up for success.
And when harvest time comes, knowing exactly when to dig up your potatoes will ensure you get the best possible yield.
With a little planning and attention, you can avoid these common pitfalls and enjoy a healthy, productive potato crop year after year.