Fall potatoes are a smart way to extend your vegetable garden’s productivity. While most gardeners think of potatoes as a spring crop, planting in late summer for a fall harvest can give you fresh, homegrown potatoes before winter sets in. In warmer climates, fall potatoes can even overwinter for a spring harvest. To grow a successful fall crop, it’s important to know when to plant and harvest based on your USDA hardiness zone. Below, we’ll break down fall potato planting by zone and explain how to time it right for your area.
Why Grow Fall Potatoes?
Growing fall potatoes has many benefits. First, it allows you to use garden space that becomes available after summer crops like lettuce, peas, or early beans are finished. Second, fall potatoes can be stored easily during cooler weather. They are less likely to encounter pests and diseases common in spring. Lastly, fall crops help you take full advantage of your growing season, especially in southern zones.
Choosing the Right Potato Type
Before you plant, choose a variety suited for your climate and time frame. Early and mid-season potatoes work best for fall planting because they mature faster. Some popular choices include:
- Yukon Gold – early maturing and good for storage
- Red Norland – quick to grow and great for roasting
- Kennebec – adaptable and high-yielding
- Adirondack Blue – colorful and full of flavor
Make sure to purchase certified seed potatoes, and avoid using leftover potatoes from the grocery store. Store-bought potatoes are often treated to prevent sprouting.
When to Plant Fall Potatoes by Zone
To plant fall potatoes successfully, you’ll need to count backward from your area’s average first frost date. Potatoes take between 70 and 100 days to mature, depending on the variety. Ideally, they should be planted about 10 to 12 weeks before the first frost. Let’s look at the timing by USDA hardiness zone.
Zone 3 and 4
In these northern zones, the growing season ends early. Fall potatoes are not recommended unless grown in greenhouses or containers that can be brought indoors. However, you can plant a late summer crop in early July and harvest by mid-September if you choose a fast-maturing variety.
- Planting time: Early July
- Harvest time: Early to mid-September
Zone 5
Gardeners in Zone 5 can grow fall potatoes if they act quickly. Choose early-maturing varieties and plant no later than mid-July to ensure the crop finishes before frost.
- Planting time: Early to mid-July
- Harvest time: Mid-September to early October
Make sure to mulch well if there’s an early frost in the forecast. Potatoes still growing underground can handle a light frost, but exposed tops will die back.
Zone 6
Zone 6 offers more flexibility. You can plant potatoes from mid-July to early August and still get a full crop. Choose early to mid-season varieties for best results.
- Planting time: Mid-July to early August
- Harvest time: Late September to mid-October
As temperatures cool, the soil stays moist longer, which helps tubers grow. Just avoid soggy soil to prevent rot.
Zone 7
In this mild zone, fall potatoes thrive when planted from late July through mid-August. The warm days and cooler nights are ideal for tuber development.
- Planting time: Late July to mid-August
- Harvest time: Mid-October to early November
To extend your harvest window, stagger plantings every 7 to 10 days.
Zone 8
Gardeners in Zone 8 can plant fall potatoes later than most. Aim to get them in the ground between early and mid-August. You can even try overwintering some varieties for an early spring crop.
- Planting time: Early to mid-August
- Harvest time: Late October to early December
Monitor moisture closely, especially in hot spells. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
Zone 9 and 10
In these warm zones, fall is the prime time to grow potatoes. You can plant from late August through early October and enjoy a winter or early spring harvest.
- Planting time: Late August to early October
- Harvest time: Late November to January
In Zone 10, potatoes often do better in fall than in spring, as cooler temperatures improve tuber formation.
How to Plant Fall Potatoes
Once you’ve figured out your timing, it’s time to plant. Follow these steps for a healthy crop:
- Prep the soil – Potatoes need loose, well-drained soil. Add compost or aged manure and till it well. Avoid overly rich nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which cause excessive leafy growth.
- Cut seed potatoes – If your seed potatoes are large, cut them into chunks with at least one or two eyes per piece. Let them sit for a day or two to form a callus before planting.
- Plant deep – Place each seed piece 3 to 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 30 inches apart.
- Hill the soil – As the plants grow, mound soil around the base to cover the developing tubers and prevent them from turning green in sunlight.
- Mulch – Apply straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and keep soil temperatures even.
Caring for Fall Potatoes
Fall weather brings fewer pests, but it’s still important to check for issues like Colorado potato beetles or early blight. Hand-pick beetles and remove any diseased foliage. Water evenly, especially in dry spells. Potatoes need 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
As the weather cools, reduce watering slightly to help the tubers harden. In cooler zones, monitor forecasts and cover plants with fabric if an early frost threatens the crop before maturity.
When to Harvest Fall Potatoes
You’ll know fall potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. For new potatoes, harvest 2 to 3 weeks after the plants flower. For full-size storage potatoes, wait until the tops are completely dead. Gently dig with a fork and avoid bruising the tubers.
Let them cure in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space for 7 to 10 days. Curing thickens the skins and helps them store longer.
Storing Fall Potatoes
After curing, brush off dirt (don’t wash them) and store your potatoes in a cardboard box, mesh bag, or basket in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. The ideal storage temperature is 40–45°F. Check regularly and remove any that show signs of rot.
Properly stored fall potatoes can last for several months—giving you homegrown food deep into the winter season.
Final Thoughts
Planting fall potatoes is a great way to maximize your garden and enjoy fresh, flavorful tubers well after summer crops are done. By understanding your zone’s frost dates and choosing fast-maturing varieties, you can harvest a full crop before winter hits. Whether you’re in Zone 5 or Zone 10, timing is everything. So, check your calendar, grab some seed potatoes, and give fall planting a try. You might find that autumn is the perfect season for growing this staple crop.
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