How to Plant Potatoes in Colorado

Potatoes are a staple crop in many households, and planting them in Colorado can be a great addition to any garden. However, given Colorado's high altitude and cold climate, it's important to follow specific steps to ensure a successful potato harvest. In this article, we'll go over how to plant potatoes in Colorado so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Preparing the Soil

The first step to planting potatoes in Colorado is preparing the soil. Start by removing any existing plants, weeds, and debris from the planting area. Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil, so loosen up the soil with a garden fork, rake, or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches.

Next, add some organic matter such as compost, aged manure or leaf mold to the soil to enrich it. This will help provide the potatoes with essential nutrients and create a loose, aerated soil for the tubers to grow in. Finally, add a balanced fertilizer to the soil to further enhance the nutrients.

Choosing and Planting Seed Potatoes

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to choose your seed potatoes. Select seed potatoes that are certified disease-free and certified for Colorado. Cut the seed potatoes into pieces that have at least two or three eyes each, and let them dry for a day or two.

Potatoes are typically planted in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 45掳F. Using a hoe, dig furrows in the soil that are 12-15 inches apart and 6 inches deep. Place the seed potato pieces into the furrows with the eyes facing upwards, spacing them 12-15 inches apart.

Cover the seed potatoes with about 3 inches of soil, and water the seeds thoroughly. As the potato plants begin to grow, keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Hilling

Hilling is an important step for growing potatoes in Colorado. In this process, you'll gradually build up the soil around the growing potato plants to encourage more growth and to protect the developing tubers from sunlight.

Once the potato plants have grown to about 6 inches tall, use a hoe to gently mound up soil around the base of the plants, being careful not to damage the stems or leaves. Continue to hill the plants every few weeks as needed, until the soil has been built up into a mound around the plants.

Harvesting

Potatoes typically take 90-120 days to mature after planting, so be patient. When the potato plants begin to yellow and the foliage dies back, it's time to harvest your potatoes.

Use a shovel or garden fork to carefully dig around the base of the potato plant and loosen the soil. Gently pull up the potato plants and brush off any excess dirt. Allow the potatoes to dry in a cool, dry location for a few days, and then store them in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes in Colorado can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you'll be able to cultivate a healthy crop of delicious, nutritious potatoes. Remember to choose certified seed potatoes, prepare the soil well, and hill your plants regularly. With a little bit of patience and care, you'll be enjoying your own homegrown potatoes in no time.