Growing potatoes in Minnesota is a popular activity for many nurseryman . Potatoes thrive in the fertile soil of the Midwest and require minimum care . Irish potato can be planted from early April to late May , when soil temperatures reach at least 45 degree Fahrenheit . Planting in rows and using a rototiller to turn the soil will facilitate ensure that the potatoes take form properly .
When pick out a variety , deal the growing season as well as the desire flavor . Once the potatoes are planted , verify to sens and irrigate them on a regular basis . Once the plant are mature , they can be harvested and enjoyed . With a bit of care and attending , mature white potato in Minnesota can be a rewarding and tasty experience !
Minnesota’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Minnesota is a great place to garden , but it can be challenge due to its northerly climate . The DoS is divided into five hardiness zones , with zone 3 and 4 encompass the majority of the state . geographical zone 3 is the cold zona , with median winter temperature reaching as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit .
This area get stale , recollective winters and short summers that last from June to August . During this fourth dimension , temperature can strain up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit . Because of the short rise time of year , it is important to choose cold - hardy vegetables , such as spinach , kale , and moolah .
zona 4 has slightly milder winter , with average temperatures reach as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit . summertime in this zone are foresightful , endure from May to September . temperature can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit . Gardeners in this zona can maturate a wider variety of vegetable , such as tomato plant , peppers , and squash . Overall , Minnesota ’s clime is unpredictable and can be hard to predict . Gardeners should always be gear up for sudden changes in temperature and weather .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Minnesota , it is important to be aware of the potpourri ’s day to harvesting and the duration of time you have before you desire to harvest them .
Early - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few days to reap and should be planted as presently as potential for harvesting in tardy summer .
Mid - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to harvest and should be plant in late April or early May for harvesting in fall .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All gentle ’ have the most twenty-four hour period to harvest and should be plant in late April or early May for harvest home in early winter . Be sure to select varieties with the right number of day to reap for your intend crop engagement . Some good white potato vine variety for Minnesota include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Minnesota
Potatoes should be establish in Minnesota begin in late April or early May , as presently as the soil can be worked . The soil should be mould to a profundity of 8 - 10 inches and all large rocks and oaf should be take out . Planting should be complete before the end of June to ensure that the potatoes have a chance to maturate before the first autumn frost . The planting dates for potatoes in Minnesota are :
How To Plant Potatoes In Minnesota
Begin the planting process for come potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating constituent compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny location that receives at least 8 minute of direct sunlight and place the ejaculate murphy .
constitute 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 stratum of dirt that is 3 - 4 inches thick , and check that to irrigate them adequately . As the potatoes set forth to sprout , bring more soil to the words to keep them adequately buried .
Water the potato on a regular cornerstone and remove any weed from the country . For those living in blistering and dry climate , you may want to cover the dirt around the spud with pale yellow , although this is not all important .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is reasonably easy – they ’re fantastically sturdy and in general no - hassle . Potato plants need full sun and well - drained soil to expand . They should be watered profoundly and regularly , leave the soil to dry out out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also important for optimum growth . Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with adequate parts atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and atomic number 19 . This should be apply every four to six hebdomad , depending on the stain ’s nutritious subject .
It is also important to keep the grime equally moist , as potatoes do not stand dry or waterlogged conditions . mulch around the potato plants can help continue moisture and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Minnesota
There are two sure way to know your white potato are aboutready to harvest!The first is counting back from your current date to their planting date . Potato variety show have an rough number of daylight to reap , so consult the days to harvest for the fussy variety of murphy you ’ve planted . If you are n’t sure , take on it ’s around 100 day .
The show of your potato plants is another dead game show . You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to work icteric and croak back . Your plants will go through an entire flowering rhythm , which is nice because the peak are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvest , but do n’t grant it to be juiceless for too long . Once reap , inspect the Irish potato carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spot .
cautiously dig up the potatoes with a garden crotch , taking attention not to damage the potato in the process . Once the white potato vine have all been dug up , brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any impairment . Discard any potatoes that are damaged , as these are not suitable for long - full term storage .
Finally , gently direct the potatoes in a cool , ironical , and dark field for storage . It is important to only stash away undamaged potatoes , as damage potatoes can apace rot .
