Potatoes are a rewarding and popular crop for home gardeners. Successfully growing them in the Great Plains requires understanding the specific timing and conditions of the Nebraska climate. This guide focuses on when to plant, which varieties thrive here, and the ongoing maintenance needed to maximize your harvest.
Identifying the Optimal Planting Window in Nebraska
The precise timing for planting potatoes is determined by soil conditions. The goal is to plant early enough for the cool-season crop to mature before the intense heat of mid-summer. The minimum soil temperature for planting is 40°F; colder soil can cause seed pieces to rot.
Nebraska gardeners should generally aim to plant from late March through mid-April, typically two to four weeks before the last expected spring frost. Planting can begin as early as mid-March in warmer southeastern regions, while western areas may wait until late April. Use a soil thermometer to target a consistent temperature of 40°F to 45°F at a four-inch depth for optimal early growth.
Choosing Potato Varieties Suited for Nebraska
Selecting the right variety is important for managing Nebraska’s shift from cool spring to hot summer conditions. Early-season varieties mature in 70 to 90 days and are often preferred because they complete tuber development before the hottest weather arrives. Good early-season options include ‘Red Norland’ and ‘Superior’.
Mid-season and late-season varieties require 95 to 135 days to mature and are suitable for long-term storage. Examples include ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Kennebec’, and ‘Russet Norkotah’. These varieties are often selected for their heat tolerance and ability to produce good yields despite higher summer temperatures.
Preparing Seed Potatoes and Planting Techniques
Always begin with certified, disease-free seed potatoes, not grocery store potatoes that may be treated with sprout inhibitors. Large seed potatoes should be cut into pieces roughly two ounces in weight. Ensure each piece contains at least two distinct “eyes,” which are the growth buds.
After cutting, allow the pieces to sit at room temperature for one to two days to develop a protective, cork-like layer over the cut surface. To plant, dig a shallow trench four to six inches deep. Place the cured seed pieces cut-side down, spacing them 10 to 12 inches apart. Cover the seed pieces with only three to four inches of soil initially to allow the soil to warm quickly and encourage faster sprout development.
Essential Care and Timing the Harvest
The process of mounding soil around the growing plants is known as hilling. Hilling is necessary to encourage the formation of new tubers and prevent them from turning green due to sun exposure. When plants reach six to eight inches in height, gently pull loose soil from the sides of the row and mound it around the stems, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed.
Hilling should be repeated every two to three weeks as the plant grows, gradually building a substantial ridge. Consistent moisture is necessary, especially during tuber formation, which begins after the plant flowers.
For a harvest of new potatoes, carefully dig around the base of the plant seven to eight weeks after planting. For mature potatoes intended for storage, wait until the plant’s foliage naturally yellows and dies back, a process called senescence. After the vines have completely died, wait an additional week or two before digging to allow the potato skins to thicken and cure for better storage.