Growing a second crop of potatoes is worthwhile for gardeners in the Southern US, where the climate allows for a cool-weather harvest. Fall-harvested tubers often possess a superior flavor and smoother texture compared to the spring crop. Maturation occurs as soil temperatures naturally decrease, encouraging the development of starches and sugars. This environment during the final growth phase yields a more desirable result.
Optimal Planting Window for Fall Harvest
The timing for planting a fall potato crop in Georgia is precisely determined by the need for the tubers to mature before the first hard frost. This window generally opens in late July and closes by mid-August across much of the state. Planting too early subjects the seed pieces to the intense, sustained heat of deep summer, which significantly increases the risk of rot and poor emergence.
Conversely, planting too late means the potato plants will not have time to fully develop tubers before cold weather arrives. Potato varieties typically require 70 to 90 days from planting to full maturity. Gardeners must count backward from the average date of the first hard freeze, which is generally mid-October for North Georgia and mid-November for Central and South Georgia. Aiming for a mid-October harvest cutoff in the northern part of the state requires planting no later than the third week of July to allow for a full 90-day growth cycle.
Selecting Seed Potatoes and Preparing the Soil
Successful fall potato production relies on selecting quick-maturing varieties that can complete their growth cycle within this shortened autumn window. Early-season varieties, maturing in 90 days or less, are the best choice; ‘Red Norland’ and ‘Red LaSoda’ are reliable options for the southern climate. Finding quality seed potatoes in mid-summer can be difficult, so it is necessary to order certified, disease-free stock specifically for a fall planting.
Preparing the soil properly is a prerequisite for a healthy crop. Potatoes require loose, well-draining soil because waterlogged conditions quickly lead to fungal diseases and rot. Incorporating compost or other organic matter improves both drainage and the soil’s ability to retain consistent moisture. Avoid applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as this nutrient encourages leafy foliage growth at the expense of tuber development.
Planting Techniques and Essential Care
Seed potatoes should be planted 3 to 4 inches deep in the prepared soil, with cut pieces having at least two “eyes” facing upward. Place the seed pieces 10 to 12 inches apart in the row to allow ample space for tuber formation and growth. Proper spacing prevents crowding and ensures each plant receives sufficient resources.
The greatest challenge for a fall crop is providing consistent moisture during the initial growth phase, which occurs during the hottest part of the Georgia summer. Consistent watering is necessary to keep the soil cool and prevent the seed pieces from rotting. The soil must remain evenly moist, but never saturated, throughout the plant’s life cycle.
As the potato plants emerge, begin the process of hilling. Hilling involves progressively mounding soil or organic mulch around the emerging green stems, leaving only the top leaves exposed. This action serves two purposes: it protects developing tubers from sunlight, preventing them from turning green and toxic, and it helps keep the root zone cooler during the lingering summer heat. New soil should be added every few weeks as the plant grows taller.
Harvesting the Fall Crop
The most reliable visual cue for harvest readiness is when the plant’s foliage begins to yellow and dies back completely. This natural process signals that the plant has finished transferring energy and starches down to the tubers. After the vines have fully died, leave the potatoes in the ground for an additional two to three weeks to allow the skins to thicken and “set.”
This waiting period, called curing, is important because a hardened skin improves the potato’s storage life and reduces the chance of damage during harvest. When digging, use a pitchfork or spade carefully, starting a safe distance from the main stem to avoid puncturing the tubers. The fall crop should be harvested before the ground freezes or the first hard frost penetrates the soil deeply enough to cause damage.
After digging, the potatoes should be kept in a dark, humid, and cool location to complete the skin-curing process. Once cured, they store best in a dark place with temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper storage ensures the superior flavor and texture of the fall harvest can be enjoyed for many months.