Growing Potatoes in Your Home Garden

Well-known throughout the world for their versatility, potatoes have become a staple of many countries’ cuisines. It’s difficult to think of a holiday meal without a big batch of mashed potatoes on the menu. But did you know you can grow them in your own backyard?

As seen in the fan-favorite NC State Extension and UNC-TV partner project “Almanac Gardener,” Area Agent and Environmental Educator Bill Lord explains the best way to grow potatoes in your garden.

Tips for Growing Potatoes at Home

• Choose the right kind of seeds for the soil and climate of your region.
• Get certified seeds to guarantee they are disease and insect free.

• Cut a seed piece with at least two “eyes” and allow them to cure outside for at least a day.

• Plant in soil with low PH (between 4.8 and 5.4) and cover with leaf mulch — the mulch will protect the potatoes from disease!

• Make sure to watch out for Potato Beetles and get a Potato Beetle spray that will prevent them from ruining crops.

Additional Home Gardening Resources

• Find out what’s in season with he N.C. Fresh Produce Seasonal Availability Calendar from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• Learn about what to grow and when to plant with the North Carolina Regional Vegetable Planting Calendars.
• Dig into more resources in the Vegetable Gardening chapter of the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook.