Growing potatoes in Alabama can be a great way to provide your family with new , goodly potatoes year - round . The raging and humid mood of Alabama is ideal for uprise potatoes , and the soil is consummate for potatoes as well . potato can be planted in the springtime and harvested in the fall . To get the dependable yield , it is significant to use certify seed potatoes and to space the plant life out properly . Adding compost to the grunge will serve see to it a healthy crop . With some patience and care , growing potato in Alabama can be a rewarding experience .
Alabama’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Alabama has a diversity of climates count on the part . Growing geographical zone 7b through 8b are generally locate in the southern and central part of the country and experience a humid subtropical climate . springtime and summertime calendar month are often hot and humid , with temperatures typically rising above 80 ° F and some Day seeing temperatures as high-pitched as 90 ° F or more .
Winters are soft with temperatures rarely expend below freeze . rain is ample throughout the year with an norm of over 56 inches per class . Typically , temperatures in these geographical zone will rarely unload below 0 ° farad or rise above 100 ° farad . This mood is ideal for a variety of plant and trees , making it a smashing place to garden and cultivate outdoor area .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When select seed murphy for get in Alabama , it is of import to be aware of the variety ’s Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to harvest and the length of fourth dimension you have before you desire to glean them .
Early - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as before long as possible for harvest in former summertime .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more solar day to reap and should be planted in late April or former May for harvest in fall .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All profane ’ have the most days to reap and should be planted in late April or former May for harvesting in early winter . Be sure to select varieties with the right bit of days to glean for your intended harvest date . Some good potato varieties for Alabama admit :
When To Plant Potatoes In Alabama
In Alabama , potatoes should be planted in early to mid - March , when the grime temperature is between 45 and 50 degree Fahrenheit . This is typically when the last frost occurs , ensure that your potatoes will be capable to survive the stale wintertime . Potatoes are a cool - time of year crop and should be planted as presently as the temperature get to rise in the spring . Those planting dates are :
How To Plant Potatoes In Alabama
set about the planting physical process for seed potatoes by tilling the grime to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun and place the seed Solanum tuberosum .
Plant the seed Solanum tuberosum with the “ optic ” face upward , leave a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each . Cover the seed potatoes with a bed of soil that is 3 - 4 column inch thick , and ensure to water them adequately . As the potatoes start to stock , add more soil to the rows to keep them adequately buried .
Water the potatoes on a regular base and withdraw any weeds from the area . For those know in hot and ironic climate , you may want to cover the soil around the potatoes with straw , although this is not essential .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plant is pretty easy – they ’re incredibly hardy and generally no - fuss . white potato plant life need full sun and well - drained stain to flourish . They should be watered deeply and on a regular basis , allowing the dirt to dry out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also authoritative for optimal growth . murphy plants need a balanced fertiliser with equal parting N , atomic number 15 , and atomic number 19 . This should be applied every four to six weeks , look on the stain ’s nutrient content .
It is also significant to keep the stain evenly moist , as murphy do not tolerate juiceless or waterlogged consideration . Mulching around the potato plants can help keep moisture and dilute widow’s weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Alabama
There are two sure ways to know your tater are aboutready to harvest!The first is count backward from your current date to their planting particular date . Potato variety have an approximate issue of day to harvest , so consult the days to reap for the particular variety of potatoes you ’ve planted . If you are n’t trusted , assume it ’s around 100 days .
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead giveaway . You will know your potatoes are quick to glean when the foliation begins to wrick yellow and die back . Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle , which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting , but do n’t admit it to dry for too long . Once harvested , audit the Solanum tuberosum carefully- they should be firm and free of gullible or soft bit .
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden branching , taking charge not to damage the Irish potato in the process . Once the white potato have all been dug up , brush off any excess land and scrutinise them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damaged , as these are not suitable for tenacious - term store .
Finally , lightly put the murphy in a nerveless , dry , and dark area for warehousing . It is important to only store undamaged potatoes , as damaged potatoes can quickly rot .
