Planting Potatoes In August – Your Ultimate Guide To A Bountiful

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever look at your garden in mid-summer and think, “Is the growing season winding down already?” Or perhaps you’ve harvested your early potatoes and now you’re wondering how to keep that delicious, homegrown goodness coming? Well, my friend, I’ve got fantastic news for you! While many gardeners focus on spring planting, I’m here to tell you that planting potatoes in August is not just possible, it’s a brilliant strategy for extending your harvest well into the cooler months.

You might be surprised to learn that August offers a unique sweet spot for a second potato crop. With the right know-how, you can be digging up fresh, tender potatoes just as the leaves start to turn. This comprehensive guide is packed with expert advice, practical tips, and best practices to help you succeed. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect seed potatoes to overcoming common challenges, ensuring you get a rewarding autumn harvest. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a longer, more productive potato season!

Why Consider Planting Potatoes in August? The Benefits of a Late-Season Crop

You might be wondering, “Why bother with planting potatoes in August when spring is the traditional time?” That’s a great question, and there are several compelling reasons why this late-season strategy is a favorite among experienced gardeners.

It’s all about maximizing your garden’s potential and enjoying fresh produce for longer. Think of it as a bonus round for your garden!

Extending Your Harvest Window

One of the biggest advantages of planting potatoes in August is the ability to extend your harvest. While your spring-planted potatoes might be ready in July or August, these late-season spuds will mature in October or November, depending on your climate and chosen variety. This means you can enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes for several extra months, long after most other garden crops have finished.

Beating Early Pests and Diseases

Many common potato pests, like the Colorado potato beetle, and certain diseases are most active during the warmer, earlier parts of the growing season. By the time August rolls around, their populations often begin to decline. This can give your late-planted potatoes a significant head start, potentially facing fewer pest pressures and a reduced risk of early-season disease outbreaks. It’s a bit like timing your crop to avoid the worst of the garden bullies!

Enjoying “New Potatoes” in Autumn

There’s something truly special about “new potatoes”—those small, tender, thin-skinned spuds that are a delight to eat. When you’re planting potatoes in August, you’re often aiming for a harvest of these very same delicious tubers in the cooler autumn weather. They have a delicate flavor and texture that’s perfect for roasting, boiling, or adding to salads, making them a wonderful seasonal treat.

Choosing the Right Seed Potatoes for Your August Planting

The success of your late-season crop largely depends on starting with the right materials. This is where “how to planting potatoes in August” really begins to shine – with careful selection.

You can’t just grab any old potato from the pantry. Let’s talk about what makes a seed potato suitable for an August start.

Selecting the Best Varieties

When you’re planting potatoes in August, time is of the essence. You’ll want to choose early to mid-season varieties, often referred to as “short-season” potatoes. These types mature in 60-90 days, which is crucial for ensuring they have enough time to develop before the first hard frost hits your region.

Look for varieties like ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Norland’, ‘Kennebec’, ‘Red Pontiac’, or ‘Irish Cobbler’. These are generally reliable and have shorter maturity periods. Also, consider varieties known for their disease resistance, as this will give your crop an extra layer of protection.

Sourcing Quality Seed Potatoes

Always purchase certified seed potatoes from a reputable nursery or garden supplier. These potatoes are specifically grown to be disease-free and will give you the best chance of a healthy, productive crop. Avoid using potatoes from the grocery store, as they are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases that could harm your garden soil.

Chitting for Success

Chitting, or pre-sprouting, your seed potatoes is an excellent practice for August planting. It gives your potatoes a head start, especially important for a shorter growing window. About two to three weeks before planting, place your seed potatoes in a single layer in a cool, bright, but not sunny, location. A spare room or a garage works well.

You’ll see short, stout green or purple sprouts emerge. These are much stronger and more robust than the long, pale sprouts you might find on a forgotten potato in a dark cupboard. Chitting helps speed up the time to harvest, which is a major win for your August crop!

Site Preparation and Soil Essentials for Planting Potatoes in August

Just like building a strong house needs a solid foundation, growing great potatoes requires excellent soil and a well-chosen location. This is a critical part of any successful planting potatoes in August guide.

Don’t skip these steps; they truly make a difference in your harvest!

Location, Location, Location

Potatoes are sun-lovers! Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Good drainage is equally important. Potatoes hate “wet feet,” so avoid low-lying areas where water tends to collect. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting in raised beds or amending heavily to improve drainage.

Building Healthy Soil

Potatoes thrive in loose, fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (between 5.0 and 6.0). Before planting, amend your soil generously with organic matter like compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. This improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility, providing a perfect environment for your tubers to grow. Aim for at least 4-6 inches of organic material mixed into the top 12 inches of soil.

For an eco-friendly planting potatoes in August approach, consider a soil test to understand your specific needs. This helps you apply amendments precisely, reducing waste and ensuring optimal nutrient balance without over-fertilizing.

Preparing Your Beds

Whether you’re planting in-ground or in raised beds, prepare the area by loosening the soil deeply, about 10-12 inches. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris. If your soil is very compacted, a broadfork can be a great tool to aerate it without completely disrupting the soil structure. For raised beds, fill them with a good quality raised bed mix, enriched with compost.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Potatoes in August Best Practices

Now that you’ve got your excellent seed potatoes and prepared your ideal planting site, it’s time for the main event! Follow these planting potatoes in August tips for a smooth and successful planting process.

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This is where the real gardening magic happens, turning those chitted spuds into future harvests!

Cutting Your Seed Potatoes

If your seed potatoes are larger than a chicken egg, you can cut them into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one or two “eyes” (sprouts) and be roughly 1.5 to 2 inches square. After cutting, let the pieces “cure” for a day or two in a warm, humid, well-ventilated spot. This allows a protective skin to form over the cut surfaces, preventing rot once planted. It’s a small but crucial step in how to planting potatoes in August effectively.

The Planting Process

  1. Dig Trenches or Holes: For rows, dig trenches 6-8 inches deep and about 3 feet apart. If you’re planting in individual holes, make them 6-8 inches deep and spaced 12-15 inches apart.
  2. Place Seed Pieces: Lay the cut seed potato pieces (sprout side up or to the side) at the bottom of the trench or hole. Maintain the 12-15 inch spacing between pieces.
  3. Cover Lightly: Cover the seed pieces with only about 3-4 inches of soil. Don’t fill the trench completely yet! This allows for easier “hilling” later on.
  4. Water Gently: Water thoroughly but gently after planting.

Container Planting Options

Don’t have a lot of garden space? No problem! Planting potatoes in August in containers is a fantastic alternative. Use large containers (at least 15-gallon capacity or purpose-built potato grow bags) with good drainage holes. Fill the bottom 6-8 inches with a rich potting mix, place 2-3 seed potato pieces, and cover with 3-4 inches of soil.

As the plants grow, continue to add more soil or compost, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed. This “hilling” process in containers encourages more tubers to form along the stem. Container potatoes require more frequent watering than in-ground plants, so keep a close eye on moisture levels.

Essential Care for Your August-Planted Potatoes: A Comprehensive Guide

Once your seed potatoes are in the ground, the real work of nurturing them begins. Proper care is paramount for a successful autumn harvest. This section is your go-to planting potatoes in August care guide, ensuring your plants thrive from sprout to spud.

Remember, consistent attention now means a more bountiful harvest later!

Watering Wisdom

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber formation. In August, temperatures can still be quite warm, so deep, regular watering is essential. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. It’s better to water deeply and less frequently than shallowly and often, as deep watering encourages roots to grow down, making plants more resilient. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, as wet foliage can encourage fungal diseases.

Hilling for Healthy Tubers

Hilling is one of the most critical steps in potato cultivation. 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 2-3 weeks as the plants grow, until you’ve formed a mound around the base of each plant about 12 inches high. Hilling protects developing tubers from sunlight (which can turn them green and inedible) and encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem. It’s a key planting potatoes in August best practice.

Fertilization Needs

Potatoes are relatively heavy feeders. A balanced organic fertilizer or a compost tea can be beneficial once the plants are established and about 6-8 inches tall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote lush foliage at the expense of tuber development. Instead, opt for a fertilizer that’s slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage strong root and tuber growth. Always follow package directions for application rates.

Mulching Magic

Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings, around your potato plants offers multiple benefits. Mulch helps to:

  • Retain Soil Moisture: Crucial for consistent potato growth, especially during warm August days.
  • Suppress Weeds: Reduces competition for nutrients and water.
  • Regulate Soil Temperature: Keeps the soil cooler in late summer and warmer as autumn approaches.
  • Improve Soil Health: Breaks down over time, adding organic matter to your soil.

Mulching is an excellent sustainable planting potatoes in August technique, reducing water usage and improving overall garden health.

Common Problems with Planting Potatoes in August & How to Solve Them

Even the most experienced gardeners encounter challenges. When you’re planting potatoes in August, you might face a few specific hurdles due to the season. But don’t worry—most common problems have practical solutions!

Being prepared and knowing what to look for will help you keep your potato patch healthy and thriving.

Heat Stress and Wilting

August can still bring intense heat, which can stress young potato plants, causing them to wilt.

  • Solution: Ensure consistent, deep watering, especially during dry spells. Mulching heavily around the plants helps keep the soil cooler and retain moisture. If possible, provide temporary shade during the hottest part of the day for very young plants using shade cloth or an old sheet.

Pests to Watch Out For

While some early-season pests might be less active, others can still pose a threat.

  • Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick adults and larvae from plants and drop them into soapy water. Inspect regularly.
  • Aphids: Blast them off with a strong spray of water. For persistent infestations, use an insecticidal soap.
  • Slugs and Snails: These can be problematic in moist, mulched beds. Use beer traps or copper tape, or hand-pick them in the evening.

For an eco-friendly planting potatoes in August approach, focus on preventative measures like companion planting (e.g., marigolds, nasturtiums) and maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem to encourage beneficial insects.

Disease Prevention

Fungal diseases like early blight can still occur, especially in humid conditions.

  • Solution: Choose disease-resistant varieties. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and avoiding dense plantings. Water at the base of the plants, not on the foliage, especially in the evening. Remove and destroy any affected leaves immediately to prevent spread. Crop rotation is also crucial; don’t plant potatoes in the same spot year after year.

Early Frost Protection

As your autumn-planted potatoes mature, there’s a risk of an early unexpected frost.

  • Solution: Keep an eye on weather forecasts as harvest approaches. If a light frost is predicted, you can cover your plants with row covers, old blankets, or even a thick layer of straw. This can buy you a few extra weeks for your tubers to size up.

Harvesting Your Autumn Potato Bounty

After all your hard work and diligent care, the moment arrives: harvest time! Knowing when and how to harvest your August-planted potatoes will ensure you get the best possible yield and quality.

This is the satisfying culmination of your gardening efforts – digging for buried treasure!

When to Harvest

For your August-planted potatoes, harvesting typically occurs in late October or November, roughly 60-90 days after planting, depending on the variety and your local climate. The most reliable sign that your potatoes are ready is when the foliage begins to yellow, wither, and die back. Once the tops have completely died back, wait another 1-2 weeks before digging. This allows the potato skins to “set” or toughen, which improves their storage life.

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If you’re eager for some “new potatoes,” you can gently “rob” a few small tubers from the side of a plant about 2-3 weeks after flowering, leaving the rest of the plant to continue growing.

The Digging Process

Choose a dry day for harvesting. Digging in wet soil can make potatoes more susceptible to rot. Use a digging fork, not a shovel, to minimize the risk of spearing or damaging the tubers. Start digging about 6-12 inches away from the main stem, working your way in carefully. Gently lift the plant and loosen the soil, revealing the potatoes.

Carefully brush off excess soil, but avoid washing them. Damaging the skin or washing them can reduce their storage life. Inspect each potato for damage or disease; set aside any damaged ones for immediate use, as they won’t store well.

Curing and Storage for Longevity

After harvesting, “cure” your potatoes for 1-2 weeks. This process toughens their skins and heals any minor cuts, significantly improving their storage potential. Spread the potatoes in a single layer in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dark, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight.

Once cured, store your potatoes in a cool (40-50°F / 4-10°C), dark, and humid place, like a root cellar, unheated basement, or garage. Do not store them in the refrigerator, as the cold can convert starches to sugars, affecting flavor and texture. Store them in breathable containers like burlap sacks, mesh bags, or slatted crates. Properly stored potatoes can last for several months!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Planting Potatoes in August

At Greeny Gardener, we believe in gardening practices that are kind to the earth. When you’re embarking on sustainable planting potatoes in August, there are wonderful ways to integrate eco-friendly principles into your growing routine.

These methods not only benefit the environment but also often lead to healthier, more resilient plants and soil.

Companion Planting Benefits

Companion planting is a fantastic eco-friendly planting potatoes in August strategy. Certain plants, when grown near potatoes, can deter pests or improve growth.

  • Marigolds: Known to repel nematodes and other soil pests.
  • Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from your potatoes.
  • Beans and Peas: Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit heavy feeders like potatoes.
  • Horseradish: Said to make potatoes more disease resistant.

Just be mindful to avoid planting potatoes near cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, sunflowers, or tomatoes, as they can inhibit potato growth or share common diseases.

Crop Rotation Importance

Practicing crop rotation is vital for long-term soil health and disease prevention. Potatoes are heavy feeders and belong to the Solanaceae family (nightshades), along with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Planting the same family in the same spot year after year can deplete specific nutrients and build up soil-borne diseases and pests.

Aim for a 3-4 year rotation cycle. This means not planting potatoes (or any nightshade relative) in the same bed for at least three subsequent seasons. This simple practice is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy, productive garden sustainably.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Embrace organic pest control to protect your August-planted potatoes without harmful chemicals.

  • Hand-picking: As mentioned, this is highly effective for larger pests like Colorado potato beetles.
  • Beneficial Insects: Encourage predators like ladybugs and lacewings by planting flowers that attract them (e.g., dill, cilantro, sweet alyssum).
  • Neem Oil: An organic insecticide that disrupts pest feeding and reproduction cycles. Use according to package directions.
  • Row Covers: For young plants, lightweight row covers can physically exclude flying insect pests.

By focusing on these sustainable practices, you’re not just growing delicious potatoes; you’re also nurturing a healthier, more vibrant garden ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Potatoes in August

Got more questions about extending your potato season? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear about planting potatoes in August.

Can I plant any potato variety in August?

Ideally, no. You should prioritize early to mid-season varieties (60-90 days to maturity). These “short-season” types have enough time to grow and develop tubers before the first hard frost. Long-season varieties (100+ days) are unlikely to mature fully when planted in August.

How long until I can harvest potatoes planted in August?

You can expect to harvest your August-planted potatoes in approximately 60-90 days, depending on the variety and your local climate. This typically means a harvest window from late October to early November. Keep an eye on the foliage; when it yellows and dies back, your potatoes are usually ready.

What if I live in a cold climate?

Gardeners in colder climates with early first frosts (late September/early October) might find August planting challenging. You’ll need to select the very shortest-season varieties (60-70 days) and be prepared to protect plants from early frosts with row covers or blankets to extend the growing season. Container planting can also be beneficial, as you might be able to move pots to a more sheltered location.

Do I need to “chit” potatoes for August planting?

Yes, chitting (pre-sprouting) is highly recommended for August planting. It gives your seed potatoes a crucial head start, which is vital when working with a shorter growing window before cooler weather sets in. Aim to chit your potatoes for 2-3 weeks before planting.

Can I use grocery store potatoes?

It’s generally not recommended. Grocery store potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases that could be introduced into your garden soil. Always use certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable garden supplier for the best results and to protect your garden’s health.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Planting potatoes in August is a wonderfully rewarding way to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh, homegrown tubers well into the autumn months. From selecting the right varieties and preparing your soil to diligent care and smart harvesting, you now have a comprehensive guide to success.

Don’t let the end of summer signal the end of your potato harvest. Embrace the challenge, apply these proven tips, and you’ll be digging up your very own autumn bounty. The satisfaction of pulling those fresh, earthy potatoes from the soil is truly one of gardening’s greatest joys. So, go forth, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the delicious rewards of a second potato season!

Rimon Chowdhury
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