Why not try growing container potatoes?
Q: Can I grow potatoes in the spring?
A: Absolutely! While potatoes do grow best in a cool environment, that doesn't last long as spring turns to summer in Illinois. Potatoes can be planted as soon as soil can be worked.
Get your soil thermometer out! Potato seedlings like the ground to be at 50 degrees for planting.
It's recommended when planting you use certified seed potatoes. These can generally be bought at a local garden center or via a seed catalog company. The reason being is seed potatoes are more resistant to disease. Make sure each piece has at least one "eye."
There are some options for planting seed potatoes. You can plant in a row with about 12 inches between plants. You can do a hilling method by which you plant a seed about 3 to 4 inches deep and cover it with 2 inches of compost or soil. Once the seedling grows about 6 inches, cover about half of the developed growth and continue to repeat each time the plant reaches 6 inches until your 'hill' is about a foot tall.
You can also experiment with planting in a large pot. If you opt for growing in a pot, use a soilless potting mix designed for vegetables and be sure to have drainage holes. If you want to try container gardening, choose potatoes that have an early maturity date (70 to 90 days).
For container growing, be sure to leave room to add soil as your spuds begin to grow. You can start by putting about 4 inches in the bottom and about 6 to 8 seed potatoes. Cover them with a few inches of soil. As leaves sprout and are about 4 inches, add 2 more inches of soil. You can continue to do this as the season progresses - hoping you will end up with a pot filled with tubers by season's end!
Moving on to the harvest. You will want to wait until the vines have yellowed. Let the potatoes rest in the soil for a few weeks to set the skins. After that, gently brush off any loose soil but don't wash them until you're ready to eat to avoid rotting.
If you're new to planting potatoes, try the container pot method and have some fun with it. It is a great way to experiment as a first-time potato grower!
- Wendy Reiner
• Provided through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 on Wednesdays and Saturdays or (708) 725-2400 on Tuesdays or email northcookmg@gmail.com. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mg.