Michigan is known for having a cold climate, an ideal condition for growing potatoes. In fact, it’s the 8th super “tuber” producer in the US, with over 70 farms established, according to the Michigan potato report.
However, despite being one of the top dogs of potato production, the state still experiences hot summers and freezing winters, which are both harmful to many crops.
Therefore, knowing when to plant potatoes in Michigan is the key to maximum and efficient vegetable harvest.
Sow them after the last frost date in the spring, at a temperature of 65-85 °F, for the best time for planting.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Grow Potatoes in Michigan
1. Plant Potatoes After the Last Frost Date
Although the famous vegetable is a cold-season plant that thrives well in cool weather, temperatures below 50𝆩F can still harm them and will make it difficult for them to survive.
For this reason, the best time to plant potatoes outdoors is after the last frost date in your region to ensure that temperatures are favorable for their growth.
This is why the start of the potatoes planting season takes place in the spring when the weather is still cold, but the risk of frost is no longer present. In this season, you can also plant other plants, click to learn more about the factors that affect tomatoes and grass seeds when you plant.
Thus, if you live in Ann Arbor, for example, sow your seeds around May 17, two weeks after its average last frost date of May 3, to ensure that there will be no frost extensions.
However, if you live in Michigan plant zone 6a or 6b, where the climate is warmer, you can sow them in September in fall for a winter crop.
2. Sow Potatoes at a Temperature Between 65-80°f During Daytime
The optimum daytime temperature for planting potatoes is between 65-80°F to encourage healthy growth.
More so, it is essential to sow them in the proper soil conditions, where the temperature is more than 45°F but not exceeding 80°F. Ideally, the soil’s temperature should range from 60-70°F.
Whereas humid soil stops forming potatoes, a dry ground will prolong their germination date and impede their growth. Similarly, hot ground can wound your tubers, but cool and soggy soil can also cause your seed potatoes to rot.
To avoid these risks, here are some helpful tips:
- Sow them in an area where it is neither dehydrated nor too moisturized. Also, the soil should be able to drain water at a decent rate.
- Avoid drenching soil after long periods of drought as it can affect the form of tubers or develop disorders like a hollow heart.
- Irrigating with 1-2″ of water weekly is optimum for growing potatoes.
- Consider putting organic materials in the ground to lower the soil temperature if necessary.
- Make sure the soil’s pH level is around 5.5-6.0.
How to Plant?
Follow these steps for the different planting methods on how to grow potatoes.
1. Planting potatoes from potatoes outdoors
- Choose a location where they can get 7-8 hours of direct sunlight.
- Prepare healthy seed potatoes two weeks before the last frost.
- Cut large tubers in three parts with two to three “eyes” (notches on the skin) on each.
- Set them in a dry spot where they can get enough sunlight until they sprout. Once they form shoots, prepare them for planting.
- Rake your soil to loosen it.
- Apply compost or fertilizer to the ground and fill a 2-inch soil after.
- Using a shovel, dig a trench with a depth of 4 inches and keep a 3-feet distance between rows.
- Sow the seed potatoes in the trench with the sprouts (or eyes) pointing upward.
- The distance between the tubers shouldn’t be less than 12 inches.
- Bury them with 4-inch soil after sowing.
- Ensure to remember how deep to plant tubers and how far apart they should be as these two elements will encourage desirable yield size.
- Water 1-2” of water (including rainfall) to keep them damped but not saturated.
2. Planting Potatoes in a Container
- Prepare a big pot with drainage holes at the bottom. A 10-gallon container is best for seed potatoes of six.
- Fill 1/3 of the pot with potting soil mixed with fertilizer and compost.
- Sow your tuber pieces in the pot with 6-inch spaces in-between. The sprouts should be pointing upward to prevent hindering their growth.
- Bury them with a few inches of potting mix. For cool climates, 1 inch would be enough. During warmer areas, you may need to increase the depth to 4 or 6 inches.
- Water the seed potatoes accordingly.
- Place your potted potatoes where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
- Regularly check your plants to see if they need water. Irrigate them whenever the surface of the soil is dry.
It is essential to know that sweet potato differ from the cultivar we have been discussing.
Potatoes are a stem tuber, whereas the sweet ones are a root tuber. That’s why when you plant sweet potatoes, it has a different planting method in which they grow from slips and not from the seed.
FAQS
What month do you plant potatoes?
The usual growing season for potatoes in the United States is between March and early April. However, in Northern Michigan particularly, it’s best to plant them at the end of April or the opening of May because of the state’s favorable climate during this time.
What are the best potatoes to grow in Michigan?
Although the Russet variety is the most used in the nation, Round White, Red, and Yellow Flesh varieties are also some of the best potatoes for Michigan gardeners.
They have an all-around application in many cooking styles because of their solid texture and taste, which are ideal for various recipes.
How long does it take potatoes to grow after planting?
The early potato cultivar only needs 90 days to mature, while the Mid-season type requires at least 100 days before harvest.
Meanwhile, the Late potato variety needs 110 days to grow. This kind germinates best in warmer climates where they have extensive growing seasons.
When to harvest?
Potatoes are usually ready to harvest in July through October in Michigan. But to be more specific, when the foliage dies, prepare to pull them out because they have reached full maturity.
Conclusion
There are two indications that can help you tell when to plant potatoes in Michigan: after the average last frost in spring and at a mild temperature.
Sowing your seed potatoes during these times encourages proper growth and saves them from frost risk. However, if you somehow live in a warmer area, you can plant them later in the year.
Hopefully, after scanning through this post, you’ll be able to sow potatoes at the proper time and soon harvest robust yields. Thanks for reading!
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