Potatoes are a tasty and versatile staple crop that can be grown successfully in most areas of New Jersey. However, in order to maximize potato yields and enjoy a bountiful harvest, it’s important to plant them at the right time. Knowing when to plant potatoes in New Jersey depends on several factors.
Why Timing Matters
Potatoes need consistent cool weather during the growing season. They won’t tolerate frost or extreme heat very well. If you plant too early when soils are still cold and wet the seed potatoes may rot. Planting too late under warm temperatures causes poor development. Proper timing ensures the plants get established before hot summer weather arrives.
In addition, potatoes have a fairly long growing season of 90-120 days. Planting at the right time allows enough warm weather for the tubers to properly mature before your first autumn frost. Early planting gives potatoes more time to size up.
Average Last Spring Frost Dates
Since potatoes can’t handle frost, the last average spring frost date for your specific location is a key guideline. This is when there is only a 10% chance of temperatures falling below 32°F overnight. Here are the general last frost dates for regions across New Jersey:
- Northern – May 15-20
- Central – April 15-20
- Coastal – April 1-10
- Southern – March 15-31
These average frost dates can vary by up to 4 weeks year to year, so checking weather forecasts is advised.
Recommended Planting Dates
It’s best to wait around 2 weeks after the average last spring frost to plant potatoes in the ground. This gives the soil time to warm up to the ideal temperature range of 50-65°F.
Here are the recommended potato planting windows
- Northern NJ: May 1 – May 25
- Central NJ: April 15 – May 10
- Coastal NJ: March 15 – April 15
- Southern NJ: March 1 – April 1
Potatoes can still be planted through early June, but the harvest may be smaller.
Starting Seeds Indoors
You can get a head start on the growing season by sprouting seed potatoes indoors. Cut the potatoes into chunks with at least 1-2 eyes per piece. Place them cut-side-up in trays or pots and keep them in a sunny, 55-70°F place for 3-4 weeks. Once sprouts are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted outside about 2-4 weeks earlier than normal planting dates. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions first.
Weather Conditions to Watch For
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Air and soil temperature at planting time should ideally be around 50-65°F.
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Stop planting if temperatures exceed 80°F because heat stress can occur.
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Temperatures below 45°F stunt growth, so plant later if nights are still cool.
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If an unusual late frost threatens after planting, protect plants by covering with fabric row covers.
By following the best planting times and keeping an eye on weather, you can look forward to harvesting mounds of potatoes in New Jersey! Adjust dates as needed for your specific microclimate and potato variety.
When To Plant Potatoes New Jersey?
FAQ
How late can you plant potatoes in NJ?
What is the latest month to plant potatoes?
Do potatoes grow better in a grow bag or raised bed?
What happens if I plant potatoes in June?
When is the best time to plant potatoes in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the best time to plant potatoes is in late March or early April, once the soil has had a chance to thaw out and when nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing. Planting potatoes in New Jersey before the soil is warm enough and the risk of frost has passed can result in poor growth and stunted yields.
Do potatoes grow in New Jersey?
Potatoes thrive in the warm climate and long growing season found in New Jersey, and they can be planted in the spring or fall. The soil type should be sandy and well-drained, and the soil should be amended with plenty of compost to help the potatoes develop.
When is the best time to plant vegetables in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, early April is the ideal time for planting leafy greens, such as spinach, lettuce, endive, cabbage and chard. These vegetables can be planted up to 6 weeks before the last frost, which is typically on April 1. For spinach, use a good compost mix and sow the seeds directly into the ground.
When can you plant a garden in New Jersey?
You can start planting various garden crops in late March and early April, even though the snow has just recently melted. In New Jersey, the final frost often occurs in May, so the weather is warming up, and the end of the long winter is not far off.
When should potatoes be planted?
Potatoes should be planted in the ground in the first few weeks of spring. The optimal time to plant potatoes is two to three weeks before the last expected frost. They have been a staple meal throughout history since all they need is to grow in warm temperatures and fertile soil.
When to plant potatoes in North Florida?
In North Florida you can plan to put in your potatoes around the end of January through February. It’s easy to grow red- and white-skinned Irish potatoes. Also, brown-skinned russet potatoes do nicely in the garden. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, the first step you need to take is preparing your soil and garden plot.