How to Plant Potatoes in the Winter

Potatoes are grown in the garden in spring or summer for cooking seasonal staples such as potato salad. Potatoes grown in winter can be used in winter favorites such as stew and chowder. Potatoes are a cool season crop and cultivatable in some climates during winter. In warm or temperate regions, plant potatoes towards the end of winter. In hotter parts of the country, plant potatoes in fall for early to mid-winter crops.

Seed potatoes

Sprouting container

Straw

Plastic tent or polytunnel

Greenhouse heater (optional)

Choose a site for the potatoes that receives open, unblocked light. Choose a new location from where potatoes were grown the previous season. Prepare the soil. Add up to 25 percent compost, turning it deep into the soil. Rake and level the soil.

Sprout seed potatoes in an area with temperatures around 50 degrees F and where there is lots of light. Sprout seed potatoes at least two weeks before planting. Place the sprouts in an open egg carton or a similar holding device with the sprouts facing up. As the sprouts grow, remove the bottom sprouts, leaving only those at the top.

Dig a four- to six-inch deep trench for planting the potatoes. Space rows 2 1/2 feet apart. Set sprouted potatoes at least 10 inches apart with the sprouts facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil.

Cover the ground with a layer of straw. Straw will help keep the ground warm. The soil needs to be at least 45 degrees F.

Place a clear plastic tent or a polytunnel over the rows on colder days. If necessary, buckets of hot water or a greenhouse heater can be placed inside.

Replace straw when needed as it breaks down into the soil. Potato sprouts will grow out of the straw.