The article entitled “Fall Potato Planting: When, Where, and What Kind” is a video created by Beginner’s Garden – Journey with Jill. In the video, the author shares their experience with growing potatoes for a Fall Harvest and discusses the lessons learned from last year’s planting. The content includes information on when to plant fall potatoes based on climate and frost dates, as well as the author’s strategy for planting in grow bags, green stock, and raised beds. The author also mentions the importance of choosing the right potato varieties, considering dormancy periods, and encourages experimentation while inviting readers to share their own tips and experiences with fall potato planting.
The video is affiliated with Wood Prairie Family Farm, a small family farm in Maine that has been practicing organic regenerative farming for over 45 years. The farm is certified organic by MOFGA (USDA-Accredited) since 1982, and their organic crops are sold through their website and mail order catalog. Viewers are encouraged to check out the farm’s products and use the code JILL5 for a 5% discount. Overall, the video provides valuable insights and guidance for those interested in fall potato planting.
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When to Plant Potatoes in the Fall
Considering Climate and Frost Dates
Fall is a great time to plant potatoes because the cooler temperatures allow them to grow and establish themselves before the ground freezes. However, the timing of planting can vary depending on your specific climate and frost dates. It is important to consider these factors to ensure the best possible harvest.
Before planting your potatoes in the fall, it is crucial to know the average first frost date in your area. This is the date when temperatures drop low enough to potentially damage or kill the potato plants. By knowing this date, you can determine the latest possible date to plant your potatoes, giving them enough time to grow and mature before the frost hits.
In addition to the first frost date, you should also consider the length of your growing season. Some areas have a shorter growing season, while others have a longer one. If you live in an area with a shorter growing season, you may need to plant your potatoes earlier in the fall to allow them enough time to mature. On the other hand, if you have a longer growing season, you may have the flexibility to plant your potatoes later in the fall.
To determine the ideal planting time for your area, you can consult with local gardening experts, agricultural extension offices, or online resources that provide frost date calculators. These resources will help you find the optimal window for planting potatoes in the fall, based on your specific climate.
Where to Plant Potatoes in the Fall
Choosing the Right Growing Method
When it comes to planting potatoes in the fall, there are several growing methods to choose from. The method you select will depend on various factors such as available space, soil conditions, and personal preferences. Here are three popular methods for planting potatoes in the fall:
1. Planting Potatoes in Grow Bags
Benefits of Grow Bags
Grow bags offer several advantages for fall potato planting. They are portable, allowing you to move them around to take advantage of the best sunlight and temperature conditions. They also provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogged soil and reducing the risk of rotting tubers. Additionally, grow bags create a controlled environment for potatoes, making it easier to monitor and control pests and diseases.
Steps for Planting in Grow Bags
To plant potatoes in grow bags, start by filling the bags with a well-draining potting mix. Place a few seed potatoes on top of the soil, making sure they have enough spacing between them. Cover the seed potatoes with more soil, leaving a small portion exposed. As the plants grow, continue adding more soil to the bags to cover the growing stems, leaving only the top leaves exposed. Water the bags regularly and ensure they receive adequate sunlight. Harvest your potatoes when they reach the desired size.
2. Planting Potatoes in Green Stock
Advantages of Green Stock
Green stock, also known as potato towers or potato barrels, is another popular growing method for fall potatoes. This method allows you to maximize your space by growing potatoes vertically, making it ideal for small gardens or urban environments. Green stock systems provide excellent aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging and minimizing the risk of disease. They also make harvesting easier, as the potatoes can be harvested by removing sections of the tower.
How to Plant in Green Stock
To plant potatoes in green stock, start by placing a layer of soil or compost at the bottom of the tower. Place seed potatoes on top of the soil, spacing them out evenly. Cover the seed potatoes with another layer of soil or compost, ensuring they are fully covered. As the plants grow, continue adding layers of soil or compost to the tower, gradually building it up. Water the tower regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not overly wet. Harvest the potatoes by carefully removing sections of the tower to access the tubers.
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3. Planting Potatoes in Raised Beds
Benefits of Raised Beds for Fall Planting
Raised beds offer several benefits for fall potato planting. They provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and ensuring healthy root development. Raised beds also warm up faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting and improved growth. Additionally, they make it easier to control weeds, pests, and diseases, as you can create a barrier between the soil and the surrounding environment.
Tips for Planting in Raised Beds
To plant potatoes in raised beds, start by preparing the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring it is well-drained. Plant seed potatoes in rows or mounds, spacing them out according to the recommended guidelines. Cover the seed potatoes with soil, leaving a small portion exposed. As the plants grow, continue hilling up soil around the stems, leaving only the top leaves exposed. Water the beds regularly and maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. Harvest the potatoes when they are ready by gently digging them out of the raised bed.
What Kind of Potatoes to Plant in the Fall
Selection of Potato Varieties
Choosing the right potato varieties for fall planting is crucial for a successful harvest. Different potato varieties have different characteristics, such as flavor, texture, cooking properties, and resistance to diseases. When selecting potato varieties for fall planting, consider factors such as taste preference, desired use (boiling, baking, or frying), and the specific growing conditions in your area.
Importance of Early Maturing Varieties
For fall planting, it is recommended to choose early maturing potato varieties. Early maturing varieties have a shorter growing season, allowing them to reach maturity before the winter frost arrives. This is especially important in areas with shorter growing seasons, as it ensures that the potatoes have enough time to develop and reach their full potential.
Considering Dormancy Periods
Another factor to consider when selecting potato varieties for fall planting is the dormancy period. Dormancy is the period when potatoes are in a resting state and not actively growing. Some potato varieties have a longer dormancy period, while others have a shorter one. For fall planting, it is ideal to choose potatoes with a shorter dormancy period, as they will start sprouting and growing earlier in the season.
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1. Selection of Potato Varieties
Factors to Consider
When selecting potato varieties for fall planting, consider factors such as taste, texture, cooking properties, disease resistance, and storability. Different varieties have different characteristics and are more suitable for specific culinary uses. For example, some varieties are excellent for boiling and mashing, while others are better suited for baking or frying. It is also important to choose varieties that are resistant to common potato diseases in your area to minimize the risk of crop loss.
Recommended Varieties for Fall Planting
Some popular potato varieties for fall planting include Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Kennebec, and Norland. Yukon Gold is a versatile variety with a buttery flavor and creamy texture, making it suitable for various cooking methods. Red Pontiac is a good choice for boiling and salads, as it has a firm texture and rich flavor. Kennebec is a reliable and disease-resistant variety, while Norland is an early maturing variety that produces smooth-skinned potatoes.
2. Importance of Early Maturing Varieties
Advantages of Early Maturing Potatoes
Choosing early maturing potato varieties for fall planting provides several advantages. Firstly, they have a shorter growing season, which means they require less time to reach maturity. This is crucial in fall planting, as it ensures that the potatoes have enough time to grow and develop before the harsh winter weather sets in. Additionally, early maturing potatoes are less susceptible to diseases and pests, as they spend a shorter time in the ground.
Recommended Early Maturing Varieties
For fall planting, some recommended early maturing potato varieties include Irish Cobbler, Caribe, and Adirondack Blue. Irish Cobbler is an heirloom variety known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, making it excellent for boiling and mashing. Caribe is a high-yielding variety with dark purple skin and a moist, flavorful flesh. Adirondack Blue is a unique variety with blue skin and blue-purple flesh, making it a striking addition to any plate.
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3. Considering Dormancy Periods
Understanding Dormancy Periods
Potato varieties have different dormancy periods, which can heavily influence their growth and development. During the dormancy period, potatoes are in a resting state and do not actively grow. Varieties with a longer dormancy period will remain dormant for a longer time before they start sprouting and developing. On the other hand, varieties with a shorter dormancy period will break dormancy earlier and begin growing sooner.
Choosing Potatoes with Suitable Dormancy Periods
For fall planting, it is recommended to choose potato varieties with a shorter dormancy period. This ensures that the potatoes will start growing earlier in the season, allowing them ample time to mature before the winter frost arrives. However, it is important to note that potatoes with shorter dormancy periods may have a shorter storage life, so it is essential to plan accordingly and use them before they start to sprout.
Conclusion
The Author’s Experience and Lessons Learned
As an avid gardener and potato enthusiast, I have thoroughly enjoyed planting potatoes in the fall. Over the years, I have experimented with different varieties and growing methods, learning valuable lessons along the way. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the significance of considering climate and frost dates when determining the optimal planting time. By taking into account these factors, I have been able to achieve successful harvests and enjoy delicious homegrown potatoes.
Encouragement for Experiments and Sharing
I encourage all fellow gardeners and potato lovers to experiment with growing potatoes in the fall. Whether you choose to plant them in grow bags, green stock, or raised beds, the rewards are well worth the effort. Explore different potato varieties, considering their taste, texture, and cooking properties. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and knowledge with others, as we can all benefit from each other’s insights and successes. Happy fall planting, and may your potato harvest be bountiful and delicious!
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