Planting potatoes in Missouri - a guide for gardeners

By Blake Jackson

While St. Patrick's Day might be a popular planting date nationwide, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein advises against it for Missouri. Local conditions are key, and soil temperatures above 45 degrees F are ideal for potato planting.

The potato's journey is fascinating. Incas cultivated them thousands of years ago, while 19th-century Ireland heavily relied on this vegetable, leading to the devastating potato famine when blight disease struck. Today, the US is a major producer, and potatoes are a staple in many diets.

Missouri's climate presents challenges for potato growers. The quick transition from spring to summer can lead to crop loss from frost or seed decay in wet soil. Planting potatoes at the right time is crucial.

Planting Essentials

• Location: Sunny spot with well-drained, organic matter-rich soil. Aim for a pH between 5.3 and 6.0.
• Fertilizer: Conduct a soil test and fertilize accordingly. Opt for a fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen.
• Seed Pieces: Use disease-free potato tubers cut into pieces with at least two "eyes" each. Allow cut surfaces to dry before planting.
• Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant seed pieces 9-12 inches apart in shallow trenches (around 4 inches deep) and cover with 1-2 inches of soil. Maintain a spacing of 28-34 inches between rows.

Growing and Harvesting Tips

• Mulch: Apply organic mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and cool the soil.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during active growth and tuber development. Reduce watering as plants die back to prevent tuber rot.
• Weed Control: Use shallow cultivation to avoid damaging tubers. Mulching also helps with weed control.
• Hilling: Once plants reach 6-8 inches, mound soil around the base to create a ridge. This helps suppress weeds and prevent greening of tubers due to light exposure.
• Harvest: New potatoes can be harvested when they reach a usable size. For storage potatoes, wait until the plants die back naturally. After harvest, store potatoes in a cool, dark location with high humidity. Curing them properly is essential for longer storage.

By following these tips and planting at the right time, Missouri gardeners can enjoy a successful potato harvest.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-npantos