Can You Plant Potatoes In May – Unlock Bountiful Harvests With Our

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever found yourself staring at a bag of seed potatoes in May, wondering if you’ve missed your chance to plant? You’re not alone! Many gardeners, both new and seasoned, often fret about planting potatoes later in the season. The good news is, you absolutely can you plant potatoes in May, and with the right approach, you can still enjoy a fantastic harvest. Don’t let a slightly later start deter you from the joy of digging up your own homegrown spuds!

Here at Greeny Gardener, we understand that gardening schedules don’t always go according to plan. Perhaps you had a late spring, or maybe life just got in the way. Whatever the reason, we’re here to tell you that May planting is not only possible but can also come with its own unique benefits. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right varieties to ensuring your late-season crop thrives. Get ready to discover the secrets to a successful potato patch, even when planted in May!

Can You Plant Potatoes in May? Absolutely!

The short answer is a resounding yes! Planting potatoes in May is perfectly viable in many regions, especially if you’re experiencing a later spring or if your local climate allows for a longer growing season. While many traditional guides suggest planting earlier, May offers a fantastic window of opportunity.

One of the key benefits of can you plant potatoes in May is that the soil has often warmed up considerably by this time. Warmer soil encourages faster sprouting and robust initial growth, giving your potato plants a strong start. It also means you might avoid some of the late frosts that can damage earlier plantings.

Think of it this way: potatoes need about 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Planting in May means your harvest will likely extend into late summer or early fall, providing you with fresh potatoes when many other garden crops are winding down. It’s a wonderful way to extend your garden’s bounty!

Choosing Your Spuds: Best Varieties for Late Planting

When considering can you plant potatoes in May tips, selecting the right variety is crucial. Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when it comes to maturity times. For late plantings, you’ll want to prioritize early to mid-season varieties that have a shorter “days to maturity.”

These faster-growing types will give you the best chance of a generous harvest before the cooler temperatures of autumn set in. Look for varieties that mature in 70-90 days, or even 60-70 days for “new potatoes.”

Recommended Early-Season Varieties:

  • ‘Yukon Gold’: A fantastic all-rounder, known for its buttery flavor and relatively quick maturity (70-80 days).
  • ‘Red Norland’: Excellent for boiling and mashing, maturing in about 60-80 days.
  • ‘Irish Cobbler’: A classic, early-season white potato that’s great for frying and baking (70-90 days).
  • ‘Kennebec’: A versatile, mid-season variety that offers good yields and disease resistance (90-100 days), still viable for May planting in many areas.
  • ‘Adirondack Blue’ / ‘Adirondack Red’: If you’re looking for something unique, these colorful varieties mature in about 80-90 days.

Always check the seed potato packaging for specific “days to maturity” information. This will be your best guide for success when you plant potatoes in May.

Site Selection & Soil Prep: Laying the Foundation for Success

Just like any plant, potatoes thrive when given the right environment. Proper site selection and thorough soil preparation are non-negotiable for a successful May planting. This is a critical part of any comprehensive can you plant potatoes in May guide.

Soil Requirements for May Planting

Potatoes are heavy feeders and prefer loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils can impede tuber development, leading to smaller, misshapen potatoes. Sandy soils, while well-draining, may not retain enough moisture or nutrients.

Aim for a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This slightly acidic range helps deter potato scab, a common disease. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss or elemental sulfur.

Before planting, dig your garden bed to a depth of at least 8-12 inches. Incorporate a generous amount of compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic amendments. This will improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content, providing an ideal home for your growing spuds.

Sunshine and Location

Potatoes need plenty of sunlight to produce a good crop. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing bed is often ideal.

Ensure the area has good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases. Avoid planting potatoes where other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) have grown in the past two to three years, as they can share common pests and diseases.

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Planting Potatoes in May: Step-by-Step Best Practices

Now that your soil is ready, it’s time for the exciting part! Follow these can you plant potatoes in May best practices to ensure your plants get off to the best possible start.

Chitting Your Seed Potatoes

While not strictly necessary for May planting, chitting (pre-sprouting) your seed potatoes can give them an extra boost, especially if you’re working with a shorter growing season. To chit, simply place your seed potatoes in a single layer in a bright, cool (around 50-60°F / 10-15°C) spot for a few weeks before planting.

You’ll see short, stubby green sprouts (chits) emerge. These sprouts indicate the potato is ready to grow and will help it establish faster once planted.

Preparing Seed Pieces

If your seed potatoes are larger than a chicken egg, you can cut them into pieces. Each piece should be about 1.5 to 2 ounces (golf ball size) and have at least two “eyes” or sprouts. Allow the cut pieces to “cure” for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place. This allows the cut surfaces to scab over, which helps prevent rot once planted.

Spacing and Depth

When it comes to planting, proper spacing is key for good air circulation and tuber development.

  1. Dig Trenches: Create trenches about 6-8 inches deep and 3 feet apart.
  2. Place Seed Pieces: Place your seed potato pieces, cut side down (or sprout side up if chitted), about 10-12 inches apart within the trench.
  3. Cover Lightly: Cover the seed pieces with just 3-4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you will gradually “hill up” more soil around them.
  4. Water In: After planting, give the area a good watering to settle the soil.

Container Planting Options

Don’t have a large garden bed? No problem! How to can you plant potatoes in May in containers is a popular and effective method, especially for urban gardeners or those with limited space.

  • Choose Large Containers: Use grow bags, large pots, whiskey barrels, or even sturdy plastic bins. They should be at least 15-20 gallons (60-80 liters) in size and have drainage holes.
  • Layered Planting: Start with 6-8 inches of good quality potting mix at the bottom. Place 2-3 seed potato pieces on top.
  • Cover and Hill: Cover with another 4-6 inches of potting mix. As the plants grow, continue to add more soil or compost around the stems, leaving only the top few leaves exposed. This encourages more tubers to form along the stem.
  • Water Regularly: Container potatoes dry out faster than in-ground potatoes, so consistent watering is crucial.

Ongoing Care for Your May-Planted Potatoes

Once your potatoes are in the ground, consistent care is essential for a successful harvest. This can you plant potatoes in May care guide will help you nurture your plants to maturity.

Watering Wisdom

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and when tubers are forming. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, frequent watering, as it encourages roots to grow deeper.

Avoid overhead watering if possible, as wet foliage can promote fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent choices. As the plants mature and the foliage starts to yellow, you can gradually reduce watering to help the skins set.

Hilling for Health

Hilling is one of the most important practices for potato cultivation. It involves mounding soil up around the base of the growing plants. You should start hilling when the plants are about 6-8 inches tall.

  1. First Hilling: Gently pull soil up around the stems, leaving about 3-4 inches of foliage exposed.
  2. Subsequent Hillings: Repeat this process every 2-3 weeks, or whenever the plants grow another 6-8 inches, until the plants begin to flower or the soil mound is about 12-18 inches high.

Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic), encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem, and helps control weeds.

Pest and Disease Watch

Even with May planting, pests and diseases can still be a concern. Regular inspection of your plants is your best defense.

  • Colorado Potato Beetles: Look for striped beetles and their brick-red larvae. Hand-picking them off plants is an effective organic control for small gardens.
  • Aphids: These tiny insects can suck sap from leaves. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.
  • Early Blight / Late Blight: Fungal diseases that cause spots on leaves. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider disease-resistant varieties. Remove and destroy infected foliage immediately.

A healthy plant is more resilient, so proper watering, nutrition, and hilling will go a long way in preventing issues.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Potato Growing

At Greeny Gardener, we love practices that are good for your garden and good for the planet. Incorporating sustainable can you plant potatoes in May and eco-friendly can you plant potatoes in May methods will lead to healthier plants and soil.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a fantastic way to deter pests naturally and improve plant health. For potatoes, consider planting:

  • Marigolds: Known to repel nematodes and other soil pests.
  • Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from your potatoes.
  • Bush Beans: Fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the heavy-feeding potatoes.
  • Horseradish: Said to deter potato beetles.
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Avoid planting potatoes near sunflowers, tomatoes, squash, or raspberries, as they can compete for nutrients or attract similar pests.

Organic Fertilization

Since potatoes are heavy feeders, providing them with consistent, organic nutrition is vital. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, opt for:

  • Compost: Incorporate plenty into the soil before planting and use it for hilling.
  • Compost Tea: A liquid feed that provides a gentle nutrient boost.
  • Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal: Good sources of nitrogen for lush foliage growth.
  • Bone Meal or Rock Phosphate: Provide phosphorus, essential for tuber development.

Apply these amendments judiciously, especially after the plants have started to flower, which signals the beginning of significant tuber formation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with May Potatoes

Even the most experienced gardeners encounter challenges. Knowing how to address common problems with can you plant potatoes in May can save your harvest.

Problem: Small or Few Tubers

  • Cause: Insufficient nutrients, inconsistent watering, too much shade, or plants not hilled enough.
  • Solution: Ensure adequate organic matter in the soil, consistent deep watering, at least 6-8 hours of sun, and proper hilling techniques.

Problem: Green Potatoes

  • Cause: Tubers exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: This is why hilling is so important! Continuously mound soil around the plants to keep developing potatoes covered. Green potatoes contain solanine and should not be eaten.

Problem: Scabby Skins

  • Cause: Potato scab is a common fungal disease often exacerbated by alkaline soil (pH above 6.0-6.5) or dry soil during tuber formation.
  • Solution: Maintain slightly acidic soil. Keep soil consistently moist, especially when tubers are forming. Plant resistant varieties.

Problem: Foliage Diseases (Blights)

  • Cause: Fungal infections, often spread by splashing water and humid conditions.
  • Solution: Choose resistant varieties. Ensure good air circulation. Water at the base of plants, avoiding wet foliage. Remove and destroy infected leaves or plants immediately to prevent spread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Potatoes in May

Is it too late to plant potatoes in May?

No, it’s generally not too late! In many temperate climates, May is still an excellent time to plant potatoes, especially early to mid-season varieties. You’ll likely enjoy a harvest in late summer or early fall.

What potato varieties are best for late planting?

Focus on early to mid-season varieties with a shorter “days to maturity,” typically 60-90 days. ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Red Norland’, ‘Irish Cobbler’, and ‘Kennebec’ are all excellent choices for May planting.

How long until I harvest May-planted potatoes?

Your harvest time will depend on the variety you choose. Early varieties planted in May could be ready in 2-3 months (late July to August), while mid-season types might take 3-4 months (late August to September). You can start “robbing” new potatoes once the plants begin to flower, or wait for the foliage to die back for a main crop.

Can I plant grocery store potatoes in May?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended. Grocery store potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. For best results, always purchase certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable garden supplier.

What’s the biggest mistake gardeners make when planting potatoes in May?

One common mistake is neglecting to hill the plants properly. Hilling is crucial for protecting tubers from sunlight and encouraging more potatoes to form. Another error is inconsistent watering, which can lead to smaller or deformed tubers.

Conclusion

So, can you plant potatoes in May? Absolutely! With a little planning and adherence to these expert tips, you can transform your garden into a productive potato patch, even with a later start. From selecting the right varieties and preparing your soil to diligent watering, hilling, and pest management, you now have all the knowledge to succeed.

Don’t let the calendar dictate your gardening dreams. Embrace the flexibility of May planting and look forward to the immense satisfaction of digging up your very own, delicious potatoes. Remember, every gardener starts somewhere, and every season offers new opportunities. Go forth and grow bountifully!

Rimon Chowdhury
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