Can You Plant Potatoes In June – Unlock A Second Harvest & Extend Your

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever found yourself in June, gazing at your garden, and wishing you’d planted more potatoes back in spring? Or maybe you’re just getting started with gardening and wondering if it’s too late to get those delicious tubers into the ground? If you’ve nodded along, you’re in good company! Many gardeners assume that potato planting season is a spring-only affair.

But here’s a little secret: that’s not always true. I’m here to tell you that, yes, you absolutely

can you plant potatoes in june

, and it can be a wonderfully rewarding experience! In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to dive deep into how to make late-season potato planting a smashing success. You’ll discover the best varieties, preparation tips, care strategies, and even how to troubleshoot common issues. Get ready to extend your harvest season and enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes well into autumn!

Yes, You Can Plant Potatoes in June! Understanding the Benefits

So, you missed the traditional spring planting window? Don’t fret! Planting potatoes in June isn’t just a consolation prize; it comes with its own unique set of advantages. This late-season strategy allows you to enjoy a fresh crop when most other gardeners are already done with their first harvest.

One of the biggest benefits of can you plant potatoes in june is the extended harvest season. Imagine having fresh potatoes for your autumn stews and holiday meals, straight from your garden! This practice ensures a continuous supply of your favorite spuds.

Another fantastic perk is that these late-season potatoes often store better. They mature as the weather cools, which can lead to firmer skins and a longer shelf life. Plus, planting later can sometimes help you bypass the peak activity of certain early-season pests, giving your young plants a stronger start.

  • Extended Harvest: Enjoy fresh potatoes from late summer into autumn.
  • Better Storage: Cooler maturation can lead to superior keeping qualities.
  • Pest Evasion: Potentially avoid early-season pest pressure.
  • Succession Planting: Maximize your garden space and yield.

Choosing the Right Spuds for Your Late-Season Success: can you plant potatoes in june tips

The secret to a successful June potato crop often starts with selecting the right varieties. Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when it comes to late-season planting. This section provides crucial

can you plant potatoes in june tips

for variety selection and preparation.

When you’re planting in June, time is of the essence. You need varieties that mature relatively quickly, usually within 70-90 days from planting. Look for categories like “early” or “mid-season” potatoes, as these are your best bets for a successful harvest before the first hard frost.

Fast-Maturing Varieties to Look For

Opt for potatoes that don’t need a super long growing season. Here are a few reliable choices that perform well as June-planted spuds:

  • ‘Yukon Gold’: A classic, versatile mid-season potato known for its buttery flavor and yellow flesh. Matures in about 80-90 days.
  • ‘Red Pontiac’: A reliable red-skinned variety that’s great for boiling and baking. Matures in 80-90 days.
  • ‘Kennebec’: A great all-purpose white potato, good for frying and mashing. Matures in about 90-100 days, but can still work with an early June planting.
  • ‘Irish Cobbler’: An old favorite, early-maturing white potato that’s excellent for mashing.

Always check the days to maturity on your seed potato packaging. This information is your most valuable guide for a June planting.

Chitting for a Head Start

Even though you’re planting later, chitting your seed potatoes can still give them a significant advantage. Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting your potatoes before planting.

To chit, simply place your seed potatoes in a single layer in an egg carton or shallow tray in a cool, bright, frost-free spot (like a windowsill) for a couple of weeks. You’re looking for short, stubby, dark green or purple sprouts, not long, pale ones. This jump-starts their growth, which is especially helpful when you have a shorter growing window.

Sourcing Quality Seed Potatoes

Always use certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. Never plant potatoes from the grocery store, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors or carry diseases that could harm your soil and future crops. Seed potatoes are specifically grown to be disease-free and vigorous.

If you’re planting cut pieces, ensure each piece has at least one or two “eyes” (sprouts or indentations where sprouts will emerge). Let the cut pieces “cure” for a day or two in a dry, open area to form a protective skin over the cut surface. This helps prevent rot once planted.

Preparing for a Bountiful June Potato Patch: Your Planting Guide

Once you’ve got your chitted, ready-to-plant seed potatoes, it’s time to get your garden bed ready. Proper preparation is key to success when you

can you plant potatoes in june guide

, especially with the summer heat approaching.

Site Selection & Soil Prep for June Planting

Potatoes thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot that gets plenty of light throughout the summer.

The ideal soil for potatoes is loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils can lead to misshapen tubers and increase the risk of disease. If your soil is heavy, now is the time to amend it generously.

Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or aged manure. This improves drainage, adds vital nutrients, and creates the fluffy environment potatoes love. Aim for a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0, which is slightly acidic. A soil test can confirm your pH and nutrient levels, guiding any necessary adjustments.

Embracing these practices contributes to sustainable can you plant potatoes in june efforts by improving soil health naturally and reducing the need for synthetic inputs.

READ MORE  Is It Safe To Eat Potatoes With Sprouts - A Gardener'S Guide To Safe

Planting Techniques: Hills, Trenches, or Containers?

There are a few popular methods for how to can you plant potatoes in june, each with its own benefits.

Trench Planting

This is a common and effective method. Dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep. Place your seed potato pieces, cut-side down (or with sprouts pointing up), about 12 inches apart in the trench. If you’re planting multiple rows, space your trenches about 3 feet apart.

Cover the potato pieces with 3-4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll gradually “hill up” more soil around the stems, which protects the developing tubers from sunlight (preventing greening) and encourages more potatoes to form.

Hill Planting

For this method, you don’t dig a trench. Instead, you place your seed potato pieces directly on the soil surface, spaced 12 inches apart. Then, mound up about 6-8 inches of soil over each potato, creating individual hills.

As the plants grow, you’ll continue to add more soil to the hills, just like with trench planting. This method is often preferred in areas with heavy rainfall or less ideal drainage.

Container Planting

No garden bed? No problem! Potatoes are fantastic for container growing. Use large containers like grow bags (15-gallon or larger), large pots, or even repurposed garbage cans with drainage holes. This is an excellent eco-friendly can you plant potatoes in june option.

Start by filling the bottom 6-8 inches of your container with good quality potting mix. Place 2-3 seed potato pieces on top of the soil, then cover with another 4-6 inches of mix. As the plant grows, continue to add soil or compost, leaving only the top few leaves exposed, until the container is full. This method is great for small spaces and makes harvesting incredibly easy!

Essential Care for Your June-Planted Potatoes: can you plant potatoes in june care guide

Once your potatoes are in the ground, consistent care is paramount, especially during the warmer summer months. Following this

can you plant potatoes in june care guide

will ensure your plants thrive.

Watering Wisdom

Potatoes need consistent moisture, particularly when they are forming tubers. This is especially true for June plantings, as summer heat can quickly dry out the soil. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

Water deeply and regularly, rather than frequent shallow watering. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further down, making the plants more resilient to dry spells. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, as wet foliage overnight can encourage fungal diseases.

Fluctuating moisture levels (wet-dry-wet) can lead to problems like scab or hollow heart. Consistency is your best friend here. Mulching heavily around your plants will also help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering, promoting a more sustainable can you plant potatoes in june approach.

Hilling & Mulching

Hilling is a critical practice for potato success. As your potato plants grow to about 6-8 inches tall, gently pull soil up around the stems, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed. Repeat this process every couple of weeks as the plants grow, until they start to flower or you run out of soil to hill.

This practice serves two main purposes: it protects developing tubers from sunlight, which would turn them green and inedible (and slightly toxic), and it encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem. Without hilling, you’ll get far fewer potatoes.

After hilling, apply a thick layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) around your plants. Mulch helps suppress weeds, keeps the soil cool, and conserves moisture – all crucial benefits for June-planted potatoes facing summer temperatures.

Fertilization & Pest Patrol

Potatoes are moderately heavy feeders. If your soil was well-amended with compost, they might not need much additional fertilizer. However, if your soil is less rich, a balanced organic fertilizer can be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once plants are established, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.

Keep a watchful eye for pests and diseases. Common potato pests include Colorado potato beetles and flea beetles. Hand-picking beetles and larvae is an effective eco-friendly can you plant potatoes in june control method for small gardens.

For diseases like early blight or late blight, prevention is key. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider disease-resistant varieties. If you spot disease, remove affected foliage immediately to prevent spread. Crop rotation is also vital for preventing soil-borne diseases.

Overcoming Challenges: Common Problems with June Potato Planting

Even with the best intentions, gardening can throw a curveball or two. When you

can you plant potatoes in june

, you might encounter specific challenges related to the warmer weather. Knowing how to anticipate and address these

common problems with can you plant potatoes in june

will boost your success rate.

Dealing with Summer Heat Stress

June means summer is in full swing, and high temperatures can stress young potato plants. Prolonged heat can reduce tuber set and even stop growth.

  • Mulch Heavily: A thick layer of straw or other organic mulch (4-6 inches deep) will insulate the soil, keeping roots cooler and moist.
  • Consistent Watering: As discussed, deep, consistent watering is crucial. Don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
  • Partial Shade (If Extreme): In regions with scorching summers, consider providing temporary afternoon shade for young plants using shade cloth. This can make a big difference in plant vigor.

Pest and Disease Pressure

While you might avoid some early spring pests, summer brings its own challenges. Colorado potato beetles can still be an issue, and diseases like early blight might be more prevalent in humid summer conditions.

  • Regular Inspections: Check your plants daily for any signs of pests or disease. Early detection is key.
  • Hand-Picking: For beetles, hand-picking them off plants and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water is highly effective and chemical-free.
  • Organic Sprays: Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage smaller pests like aphids or flea beetles if infestations are severe.
  • Air Circulation: Space your plants adequately and consider pruning lower leaves if foliage becomes too dense to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk.

Watering Imbalances

Both too much and too little water can harm your potato crop. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot, while underwatering causes stunted growth and poor yields.

  • Check Soil Moisture: Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Don’t just water on a schedule; water when the plants need it.
  • Good Drainage: Ensure your garden bed or containers have excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging.
READ MORE  When To Harvest Container Potatoes - Your Ultimate Guide To Bountiful

Late Blight Considerations

Late blight, a notorious potato disease, can emerge in warm, humid conditions. While often associated with later summer, it’s a risk to be aware of.

  • Resistant Varieties: If late blight is common in your area, choose resistant varieties.
  • Sanitation: Clean up any plant debris, especially after harvest, to prevent disease spores from overwintering.
  • Avoid Overhead Watering: Water at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry.

Harvesting Your Late-Season Spuds: can you plant potatoes in june best practices

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Harvesting your June-planted potatoes is incredibly satisfying. Knowing the

can you plant potatoes in june best practices

for harvest and storage will ensure you enjoy your bounty for as long as possible.

When to Harvest Your June Potatoes

Your June-planted potatoes will typically be ready for harvest anywhere from 70 to 100 days after planting, depending on the variety. The clearest sign that your potatoes are ready is when the plant’s foliage begins to yellow, wither, and eventually die back. This indicates that the plant has finished putting energy into leafy growth and has directed it all into forming tubers.

You can sometimes sneak a few “new” potatoes (small, tender tubers) earlier by gently digging around the base of the plant once it starts flowering. Just be careful not to disturb the main root system too much.

Gentle Digging & Curing

When the foliage has mostly died back, it’s time to dig. Choose a dry day if possible. Use a garden fork, starting about a foot away from the main stem to avoid piercing the tubers. Carefully loosen the soil and lift the plant, revealing your potato treasures.

Once harvested, gently brush off any excess soil. Avoid washing them at this stage, as moisture can encourage rot. The next crucial step is curing.

Spread your harvested potatoes in a single layer in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area (around 50-60°F / 10-15°C) for 1-2 weeks. This curing process allows the skins to toughen up, heals any minor nicks, and significantly improves their storage life. Do not expose them to direct sunlight during this time, as it will turn them green.

Proper Storage for Long-Lasting Spuds

After curing, store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and humid place. A root cellar, cool pantry, or even a breathable bin in a garage (as long as it doesn’t freeze) works well. Ideal storage temperatures are between 40-50°F (4-10°C).

Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold can convert their starch to sugar, affecting flavor and texture. Also, keep them away from onions, as gases released by onions can cause potatoes to sprout prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Potatoes in June

Got more questions about getting those potatoes in the ground late in the season? Here are some common queries I often hear from fellow gardeners.

How long does it take for June-planted potatoes to mature?

Generally, June-planted potatoes, especially early to mid-season varieties, will mature in about 70-100 days. This means you can typically expect a harvest from late August through October, depending on your local climate and the specific variety you chose.

What are the best potato varieties for late planting?

Look for “early” or “mid-season” varieties that have a shorter maturity time. Good choices include ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Pontiac’, ‘Kennebec’, and ‘Irish Cobbler’. Always check the “days to maturity” on the seed potato package to ensure it fits your growing season.

Can I plant grocery store potatoes in June?

It’s strongly advised not to plant grocery store potatoes. They are often treated with sprout inhibitors and can carry diseases that could contaminate your garden soil. Always use certified seed potatoes from a reputable garden supplier for the best results and to protect your garden’s health.

How do I protect my June potatoes from summer heat?

Key strategies include heavy mulching (4-6 inches of straw or compost) to keep the soil cool and moist, consistent deep watering, and, in extremely hot climates, providing temporary afternoon shade with shade cloth. These methods help reduce heat stress and maintain optimal growing conditions.

Is it possible to grow organic potatoes in June?

Absolutely! Growing organic potatoes in June is entirely achievable. Focus on building healthy, nutrient-rich soil with compost, using organic seed potatoes, practicing crop rotation, and employing organic pest and disease management techniques like hand-picking pests and using natural sprays if necessary. The care guide provided in this article largely follows organic and eco-friendly can you plant potatoes in june practices.

Conclusion

There you have it! The answer to “

can you plant potatoes in june

” is a resounding yes, and now you have all the knowledge and practical tips to make it happen. Don’t let the calendar dictate your gardening dreams. By choosing the right varieties, preparing your soil with care, and providing consistent attention, you can absolutely enjoy a fantastic late-season potato harvest.

Planting potatoes in June offers the joy of extending your growing season, providing fresh, homegrown tubers well into the cooler months. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the adaptability of gardeners like you.

So, gather your seed potatoes, prepare your patch, and get ready for the delicious rewards. Your taste buds (and your garden) will thank you. Go forth and grow!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts