Growing tater in Tennessee is a peachy way to revel a delicious harvest . The State Department ’s mild clime , humid melodic line , and ample rain provide ideal atmospheric condition for growing potato . The soil in Tennessee is rich in nutrients and can be remedy to make ideal growing condition . Potatoes can be planted in former outpouring , as presently as the grunge can be worked , and will be ready for harvest in late summertime or other fall .
When planting white potato vine , it is important to prefer variety that are suited to the climate and soil type . When harvesting , potatoes should be dug cautiously to avoid bruising or damaging the tubers . With a small maintenance , potatoes can be a rewarding and yummy add-on to a Tennessee garden .
Tennessee’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 5b encompasses the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and is characterise by cold and harsh winters . Temperatures in this geographical zone range from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the medium last frost date is late April . Summer temperature in zone 5b are mild and comfy and the median first frost escort is belated September .
geographical zone 6a encompasses the middle natural elevation of the Appalachian Mountains and has similar temperatures to zone 5b . The medium last frost date is mid - April and the median first hoar date is mid - October .
zona 6b covers the modest elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and is the warmest and mildest zone of the Appalachian Mountains . The mediocre last Robert Lee Frost date is late March and the average first frost date is late October . temperature in this zona range of a function from -5 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit .
Zone 7a covers the westerly part of Tennessee and is a moderate climate . The average last Robert Lee Frost date is early April and the average first rime date is former November . Temperatures in this zone chain from 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit .
Zone 7b covers the middle and eastern parts of Tennessee and is a warmer mood than the other zones . The average last frost day of the month is mid - March and the average first frost date is mid - October . Temperatures in this geographical zone range from 5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit .
Zone 8a deal the eastern part of Tennessee and is the warm geographical zone in the state . The modal last Robert Frost appointment is previous February and the average first frost engagement is former September . temperature in this zone stove from 10 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When pick out seed white potato vine for grow in Tennessee , it is important to be mindful of the salmagundi ’s sidereal day to harvest and the distance of time you have before you need to reap them .
former - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer days to harvest and should be implant as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer .
Mid - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more daylight to glean and should be planted in tardy April or former May for harvest home in fall .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All dreary ’ have the most day to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in other winter . Be certain to select varieties with the right number of day to reap for your intended harvest escort . Some good Solanum tuberosum varieties for Tennessee admit :
When To Plant Potatoes In Tennessee
white potato should be establish in Tennessee in late March or early April when the grease is feasible and temperature are systematically above 40 degrees Fahrenheit . The optimal planting time for potatoes in Tennessee is between March 15th and April 15th . Those dates by zone are :
How To Plant Potatoes In Tennessee
Begin the planting process for come white potato vine by till the land to a depth of 8 column inch and incorporating organic compost . Once you have done this , find a gay positioning that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes .
Plant the seed potatoes with the “ eye ” face upward , leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each . spread over the seed potatoes with a stratum of dirt that is 3 - 4 inches thick , and make certain to water them adequately . As the potatoes start to spud , add more grime to the row to keep them adequately bury .
Water the white potato on a regular basis and remove any smoke from the area . For those populate in live and ironic climates , you may require to cover the dirt around the potatoes with drinking straw , although this is not crucial .
Caring For Potato Plants
handle for white potato vine plants is pretty easy – they ’re fantastically hardy and generally no - squabble . Potato plants call for full sun and well - drained soil to flourish . They should be watered deep and regularly , permit the soil to dry out between lacrimation .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal ontogenesis . tater works want a balanced fertiliser with equal parts N , morning star , and potassium . This should be applied every four to six weeks , depend on the filth ’s alimental substance .
It is also important to keep the grease evenly moist , as potatoes do not tolerate wry or waterlogged condition . mulch around the potato plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Tennessee
There are two sure ways to be intimate your potato are aboutready to harvest!The first is weigh backward from your current date to their planting particular date . Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to glean , so refer the years to glean for the picky variety of potatoes you ’ve planted . If you are n’t certain , assume it ’s around 100 daytime .
The appearance of your murphy plants is another deadened giveaway . You will know your Solanum tuberosum are quick to harvest when the foliage begins to flex sensationalistic and die back . Your plants will go through an entire blossoming cycle , which is nice because the bloom are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvest , but do n’t permit it to be dry for too long . Once harvest , visit the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and free of greenish or mild spots .
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork , take aim tutelage not to damage the murphy in the unconscious process . Once the murphy have all been dug up , copse off any supererogatory land and inspect them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damage , as these are not suited for recollective - term storage .
at long last , gently place the spud in a nerveless , dry , and dark area for storage . It is important to only hive away undamaged potato , as damage potatoes can quickly rot .
