Potatoes are a staple harvest in Kentucky , and it is not hard to sympathize why . Kentucky has a good overall climate for growing potatoes , which can be grown in most parts of the state of matter . The soil in Kentucky is well suitable for potatoes , and the ample sunlight and tolerable rainfall helper to make the crop a success . Potatoes can be planted in the spring or in late summertime .
The key to a successful tater harvesting is to provide adequate drainage and to keep the soil moist . Proper fertilization is also of import , as potatoes require a effective amount of N and other nutrients for bring out a quality crop . With the right conditions , Solanum tuberosum can be an excellent crop for Kentucky sodbuster .
Kentucky’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Kentucky is a beautiful state with a diverse climate . Growing zones 6 and 7 are particularly well - suit for a encompassing variety of industrial plant as they receive distinct season and an ample amount of rainfall . Zone 6 is locate in the northerly part of the state and its climate is meek than other parts of Kentucky . The average eminent temperature in summer hovers around 82 ° F ( 28 ° C ) , while the intermediate humiliated temperature in wintertime falls to around 28 ° F ( -2 ° C ) . This zona get a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year , with an average of 44 column inch ( 112 cm ) annually .
Zone 7 is located in the western part of the state and have slightly warmer temperatures than zone 6 . The average high temperature in summertime can reach 88 ° F ( 31 ° coulomb ) , while the average grim temperature in winter drops to about 24 ° F ( -4 ° C ) . This zone experiences a little more hastiness than zone 6 , with an average of 48 inch ( 122 centimetre ) of rain per year . Overall , both of these zones offer a great clime for spring up a wide potpourri of plants due to their discrete time of year and ample rainfall . With careful planning , gardeners in these zones can have a successful and enjoyable horticulture experience .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When select cum Solanum tuberosum for growing in Kentucky , it is important to be mindful of the variety ’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to reap them .
former - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few twenty-four hours to harvest and should be engraft as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more daylight to harvest and should be planted in later April or early May for harvest home in fall .
belated - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All Blue ’ have the most Day to reap and should be planted in recent April or other May for harvest home in other winter . Be sure to select varieties with the right act of days to glean for your intended harvest date . Some good potato varieties for Kentucky include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Kentucky
In Kentucky , potatoes should be planted in the leaping , anytime from March to the end of May . Planting too betimes can result in pitiable germination duetocold temperatures . Planting too late can decoct production due to inadequate growing season . The idealistic planting time for white potato vine in Kentucky is from mid - April to the destruction of May . Planting dates for white potato in Kentucky are :
How To Plant Potatoes In Kentucky
Begin the planting process for ejaculate murphy by tilling the filth to a astuteness of 8 inches and incorporating constituent compost . Once you have done this , find a cheery fix that receives at least 8 hours of verbatim sunshine and put the source murphy .
implant the seed potato with the “ eye ” facing upwardly , leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inch in between each . track the seed potatoes with a bed of soil that is 3 - 4 inches thick , and make trusted to irrigate them adequately . As the potatoes set off to sprout , add more ground to the rows to keep them adequately buried .
Water the Irish potato on a even basis and move out any weeds from the area . For those living in hot and dry clime , you may want to address the land around the murphy with straw , although this is not substantive .
Caring For Potato Plants
like for potato plants is pretty easy – they ’re incredibly fearless and generally no - bustle . Potato plant need full sun and well - drained soil to thrive . They should be watered deeply and regularly , allow the soil to dry out between watering .
Fertilizing is also important for optimum growth . Potato plants necessitate a balanced fertilizer with adequate parts nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium . This should be applied every four to six weeks , depending on the soil ’s nutrient message .
It is also important to keep the grunge equally moist , as white potato do not tolerate ironic or waterlogged conditions . Mulching around the white potato plants can aid retain moisture and reduce widow’s weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Kentucky
There are two sure ways to know your murphy are aboutready to harvest!The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting date . Potato variety show have an rough number of daytime to harvest , so confer the Day to harvest for the particular change of Irish potato you ’ve planted . If you are n’t sure , feign it ’s around 100 mean solar day .
The appearance of your tater plants is another stagnant giveaway . You will know your potatoes are ready to reap when the foliage start to turn yellow and die back . Your plant will go through an full flowering oscillation , which is nice because the bloom are really beautiful .
permit the dirt around the works to dry before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be dry for too long . Once glean , inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be strong and free of green or mild spots .
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden crotch , taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process . Once the potatoes have all been dug up , brushwood off any superfluous dirt and inspect them for any harm . Discard any potatoes that are damage , as these are not suitable for long - condition storage .
Finally , softly place the white potato vine in a cool , dry , and dark expanse for storage . It is important to only store undamaged potatoes , as damage spud can quickly waste .
