Where to grow
Potatoes should be grown in an area that is primarily in the sun with very little to no shade throughout the day. Potatoes can grow in most types of soil, but it is important to break down most clumps of materials and remove stones where you plan to plant. Potato plants can take up at least one square foot, so plant them one foot apart in the rows.
When to grow
The best time to plant potatoes is when there is little chance of frost occurring during the growing season. Remember, once the plants are exposed above ground, they are extremely susceptible to frost. If frost is in the forecast, turn on a sprinkler to spray the plants during the cold is the best option. Expect 60-90 days of growing before the potatoes are ready for harvest
Soil Preparation
Ideal soil for potatoes is sandy and able to maintain adequate amounts of moisture. If the soil becomes too damp, this may create rot in the potato tubers themselves. You should till down at least 8-12 inches because if you do not prepare the soil deep enough, the tubers will have trouble growing to full potential. It is beneficial to plant the potatoes in raised rows of about 6 inches. Maintain 20-28 inches between rows for plant growth.
Planting
You should plant the seed about 3-4 inches deep. They should be evenly spaced at about a foot apart. Do not plant too deep as this can dramatically decrease your yield.
Hilling
As the plant grows the soil will slowly rise up. Once plants begin to emerge add more soil around the base of the plant being careful not to cover the leaves. This pulling up of the soil will allow more room for the plants’ tubers to develop. Hilling should be done around every two to three weeks depending on growth. This will probably have to be done three to four times.
Weeding
It is very important to control weed growth, especially in the early stages. This can be done by gently tilling the ground with a hoe. The plants will eventually form a canopy that should suppress major weed growth for the majority of the growing season.
Watering
Potatoes need moist soil in the roots but not too wet. Later in the growing season watering can decrease because too much water may stimulate new, unwanted growth.
Harvesting
There are two ways to harvest potatoes. The first is if only a few tubers are required from a plant. It is non-damaging for the plant to pull out only a few potatoes if you just dig in from the side of the row and take the desired amount of potatoes. Then cover up the hole and leave the others to continue to grow. The potatoes will not store well, so use them very soon. For harvesting all the potatoes at the end of the growing season the first step is to kill the vines. Once the vines are dead wait 3 weeks before digging up the potatoes. This allows the skin to harden and prevents damage. Store the potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark area to prevent the potatoes from sprouting.