Planting Potatoes

Traditional folklore suggests the best time to plant potatoes is on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday. However, Good Friday’s date varies and so depending on when it falls on the calendar, it can be quite early and may not be the best planting time.  Generally by the first part of April the soil has warmed and you can plant your potatoes. But there have been a few cold years where it’s closer to the end of April when we’re planting potatoes.

If you are planting potatoes this garden season, check with your local nursery for disease-free seed potatoes.  There are many different varieties and types of potatoes to consider when planting; red-skinned, russets, yellow fleshed, white and purple.  These varieties can be categorized as early, middle or late maturing.

When ready to plant, cut seed potatoes into 1-1/2 inch pieces with at least 2 “sprout eyes” just beginning to sprout per piece.

Plant 3 to 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in a sunny location. Cover with soil.

For more growing tips, check out our book, Eating Pure in a Processed Foods World®.  On page 181 and 182 we go into further detail about soil, compost, varieties and fun facts.