Growing murphy in Maine is a democratic and rewarding bodily function among many local farmers and gardeners . Maine is well known for its cold weather and long growing season , which is ideal for growing potatoes . Potatoes flourish in the acidulent soil found in Maine , so they are relatively easy to develop . The soil also provides tribute from uttermost temperatures and pest , making it potential to grow heavy , more flavorful potatoes .
Planting potatoes in Maine requires a bit of planning , however , as potatoes require a certain depth , warmth , and moisture to expand . To insure a successful harvest , Fannie Farmer and gardeners in Maine should be sure to take an appropriate diverseness for their growing conditions , allow adequate drainage , and expend a good fertilizer . With the right preparation and tutelage , Maine ’s Solanum tuberosum farmer and gardeners can enjoy a successful and rewarding harvest .
Maine’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 4b is typically the cold geographical zone in Maine , with average yearly utmost minimal temperatures of -20 to -25 level Fahrenheit . Summer temperatures in this geographical zone typically hit into the 70 and 80s , but can be colder . This zone is favorable for originate many cool - season vegetables and fruits .
geographical zone 5a has middling annual extreme minimum temperatures of -15 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit . summertime in this zone are generally mild , with temperature reaching into the LXXX and from time to time the ninety . This zone is favorable for maturate many cool - season vegetables and fruits , as well as some warm - season ones .
Zone 5b has fair yearly extreme minimum temperature of -10 to -15 level Fahrenheit . summer in this geographical zone are generally warm , with maximum temperatures give into the 80s and on occasion the 90s . This zona is favourable for growing a full variety show of vegetables and fruits , including warm - time of year crop .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When pick out seed potato for growing in Maine , it is crucial to be aware of the motley ’s day to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them .
Early - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few days to glean and should be planted as presently as possible for harvesting in former summer .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in fall .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All low ’ have the most twenty-four hours to harvest and should be plant in late April or early May for harvest home in other winter . Be sure to take varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest time date . Some adept potato varieties for Maine include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Maine
The best sentence to plant potatoes in Maine is typically in former to mid - April , when the dirt has warm and the last opportunity of icing has go . Depending on your locating , you may be able to plant in the first place . Be sure to check your local freeze date .
Additional Resource : Find Your Maine Hardiness Zone
How To Plant Potatoes In Maine
Begin the planting process for source potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporate organic compost . Once you have done this , determine a cheery location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun and place the seed potatoes .
institute the seed spud with the “ eyes ” facing upward , leave a distance of 8 to 10 column inch in between each . Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3 - 4 column inch thick-skulled , and make certain to water them adequately . As the Solanum tuberosum start to sprout , add together more grunge to the rows to keep them adequately buried .
irrigate the potatoes on a regular basis and remove any widow’s weeds from the area . For those living in hot and dry mood , you may want to cover the soil around the tater with straw , although this is not essential .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty well-situated – they ’re improbably hardy and more often than not no - bickering . Solanum tuberosum plants take full sun and well - drain land to prosper . They should be watered deeply and on a regular basis , allowing the soil to dry out between tearing .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal ontogeny . Potato plants need a balanced plant food with equal parts nitrogen , phosphorus , and atomic number 19 . This should be give every four to six calendar week , depending on the soil ’s nutritious content .
It is also significant to keep the stain evenly moist , as potatoes do not digest ironical or waterlogged condition . Mulching around the Solanum tuberosum plants can help oneself keep wet and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Maine
There are two certain way to know your tater are aboutready to harvest!The first is depend backward from your current particular date to their planting date . Potato variety have an approximate number of day to reap , so confab the days to glean for the especial variety of potato you ’ve planted . If you are n’t certain , assume it ’s around 100 days .
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead game show . You will know your spud are quick to glean when the foliage begins to reverse yellow-bellied and die back . Your plant will go through an entire florescence cycle , which is decent because the flowers are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plant to dry out before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be dry for too long . Once harvested , inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be loyal and free of light-green or subdued spots .
cautiously moil up the potatoes with a garden fork , taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process . Once the potatoes have all been dig up , brush off any excess filth and inspect them for any hurt . Discard any murphy that are damage , as these are not desirable for retentive - term entrepot .
Finally , softly localize the potatoes in a cool , juiceless , and coloured orbit for storage . It is significant to only store undamaged white potato , as damage potatoes can quickly rot .
