How to Plant Potatoes (Complete Guide)

Planting potatoes is more than putting a seed potato in the ground. Understanding the different types of potatoes, how they grow, and how to get a head start on the growing season can give you garden success. Gardener Scott thoroughly explains how and why to prepare potatoes ahead of time and demonstrates how he plants potatoes in his garden (Video #266)
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[@DebRoo11]

A couple yrs ago I started planting in buckets and I'll never plant in the ground again. No potatoes left behind and saves my garden space. I plant mine in early April. If the green gets some frost or a deep freeze, the green just grows back quickly. I get at least 2 crops per summer in Ontario 🇨🇦 Nothing funner than dumping a bucket of potatoes into a wheel barrow

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

I'm a big fan of planting spuds in buckets or bags. They're super easy to harvest, and you don't get those tiny rogue potatoes sprouting the next year where you don't want them.

[@claudettemonty4077]

Deb R : I am from Quebec Province and I want to know what you meant "if the green"?? Where do you buy you potatoes seeds?? In Ontario? It will be my first time planting potatoes!

[@DebRoo11]

@@claudettemonty4077 you purchase what are called 'seed potatoes' which are just potatoes that are disease and chemical free so they will sprout their green shoots. The green is the plant that grows above ground when you plant the potato about 6 inches deep 😉 I have also planted organic potatoes I've bought from the grocery store if I can't find 'seed potatoes' for sale. You can try any garden center or even home depot etc. in early spring. They are sold well before garden plants start getting put out so look soon

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

Brilliant! Thank you. Now I know how to add potatoes to my garden lineup this year in Malakwa BC! We've 7 gardens and 22 pots, 3 of these are oak barrel halfs! I have 5 five gallon grow bags on their way! I can hardly wait!

[@k-sell4065]

I just leave a couple potatoes in the ground and they continue to grow on their own terms as long a I don’t disturb the soil even if I don’t see and greenery. I just let nature takes its course. I have multiple beds I barely touch. Like my garlic and turmeric beds.I harvest what Is needed and leave the rest in the ground to continue growing. Great video Scott!😊

[@genebk3122]

I have learned a lot of new things watching your show thank you. The thing on the potatoes was new to me. I'm 73 when we where young dad would cut all of the potatoes in half or quarters. And we had rows and rows of potatoes that we sold by the bushel out by the road

[@brokenenglish3897]

Best video about growing up potatoes. Greetings from Poland ❤

[@glendagonzalez2469]

I'm so thankful I found your channel. Every episode feels like a masterclass. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Jamescityboygardening]

You'll not find better gardener's friend.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

What I found : Indeterminate Potatoes (Late Season) German Butterball Bintje Carola Nicola Butte All-Blue Strawberry Paw Green Mountain Canela Russet Red Cloud Russet Nugget Determinate Potatoes (Early & Midseason) Yukon Gold Norland Fingerling Superior Red Pontiac Chieftain Cranberry Red Reddale Caribe Russet Norkotah Onaway Kennebec

[@lauralaspe329]

Thank you. I have some all blue that I couldn’t find info on.

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

@@lauralaspe329 Your welcome. I have Kennebec, Russet and Superior this year. Thanks to Scott's video I didn't know potatoes were like tomatoes in this way.

[@terryhall2299]

I have some Red Norland. I’m not sure what type these are. Do you know?

[@MichaelCGrayPhotography]

@@terryhall2299 Maybe Gardener Scott knows? I never heard of that type, but did a dig through Google and most said it was Determinate.

[@terryhall2299]

@@MichaelCGrayPhotography thank you

[@AcornHillHomestead]

I have grown sprouted grocery store potatoes many times. They have produced many free spuds for me in sandy plots that have hardly been given much attention after planting. Gotta love that! My seed potatoes start growing inside the bag without any extra light. Then I just pop them into the ground.

[@mabo3506]

Thanks Scott. I had a pocket of potatoes that had been used but with about a dozen potatoes still lying in the warm dark recesses and used those as is with the white 'spaghetti' sprouts and simply planted them in the ground and have had 100 percent successful growth. No need to green them off really before planting.

[@caroldickson4901]

I just found your video on potatoes today while doing research. You explain so meticulously and slowly. You were my third or fourth video on potatoes and this one was definitely the best. It had the most information and it was slowly and gently explained. Thank you so much.

[@charlesstock64]

Great video Scott. Thanks. My wife and I found an organic russet grown at a local farm that we like. Following your approach, I chitted a 5 lb bag of them that already had white nubbies on them. I got about two to three pieces from each, and after scabbing over, they went into the beds. Now in late may, they are already hilled once and will get hilled again in the coming week. I have another bunch of same type potatoes being chitted for early June planting for fall harvest. These will be in 15gallon bags as you showed. We love taters and they are a big part of our whole plant based approach to nutrient and health. Thanks again.

[@sirtimatbob]

How did this go? Did you get tons and tons of taters?

[@Starcraftghost]

I hit like when you mentioned the video encompassing weeks worth of effort. That much effort deserves a whole lot of appreciation.

[@doraw7766]

Your video of planting determinate and indeterminate potatoes is helping me this season in FL. I now have LOTS of different potatoes "in ground" and in "grow bags". I had my first success after that freeze. I was replanting potatoes and dug up a couple pounds of unexpected small potatoes that grew before the freeze. It gave me great incentive to grow a BUNCH and now I am obsessed with it. I just want to outgrow my brother in western NY at 300 pounds/harvest. My cabbage, kale, celery, dandelion greens harvest are off to a good start for my second season as a gardener. Bought Your Red T-shirt that says PLANT HOPE. Thank you!!!

[@GardenerScott]

That's awesome, Dora! Thanks for letting me know.

[@patrickwalsh2361]

Damn, this is by FAR the best video on growing potatoes, very in depth - covering much more than anyone else! Thanks again Scott. I’m thinking you learned to be thorough during your service (picture on wall).🥔👍🏻

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Patrick. Yes, I was an Instructor Pilot in the Air Force and thorough was a necessary part of the job.

[@patrickwalsh2361]

@@GardenerScott thanks for your service Scott! Your video inspired me to order some potato seeds from Fruition Seeds - can’t wait to taste some heirloom tomatoes! 🥔👍🏻🇺🇸

[@cindyjean3208]

So many sites to choose from… Glad I stumbled upon yours! You are an excellent teacher!!! Thanks! I’ve never grown potatoes… but will be this year… will try raised beds and in ground… Will pray for an abundance of harvest 🙏🏻😊

[@BulbasaurLeaves]

So THAT'S why the Red Pontiacs I put in grow bags last year only grew potatoes in one layer near the bottom! I had no idea potatoes could be determinate. Thanks, Gardener Scott!

[@davemeeks8109]

My local farm stores carry about 8 different types of potatoes most of which come in 50 lb bags. I try to pick them small and developing and seldom cut them in any way and all do well without prep. Haven't tried the bags yet but many are on the way. We are taking the precautions of over planting everything we grow for a multitude of reasons and one way or another its the right decision.

[@databang]

🥔🍟Thanks for taking the time to explain the nuanced details, it’s greatly appreciated. I’m looking forward to being a spud stud.

[@garynorcal4269]

Potato Growing 101 .. Most complete potato growing introduction that I have seen. Nicely done. 🙂🙃🙂😉

[@LeverActionLarry]

Here I am a year later to get that last minute GS knowledge! Planting Yukon golds in grow bags again this year. Thanks GS!

[@christinapoulaki3809]

Grateful Scott 🙏 it is so touching when wise humans spread wisdom in such a simple a to the point way! Thank you from my heart! Big hug from Greece and Germany!

[@bonnieclyne5618]

I'm new to gardening, so I greatly appreciate your channel. I had no idea that potatoes were determinate or indeterminate! Thanks for explaining that. I'm doing a backyard garden this year (I'm in the middle of planting right now). I'm trying to learn as much as I can, and hopefully my garden will do well. Thanks so much for all your instructions and guidance. Greetings from central Florida! I shared this video to my Facebook channel!

[@donnabrown1518]

I had potatoes that I planted that had growth above the soil when it froze (down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The leaves died back, but the potato plants came back and they look great now. They were indeterminant (Russets) I also have Red Norlands (determinant) growing that I hope to use during the summer while the Russets are developing.

[@Aglaja_]

When you do powder the cut pieces in ash, you can plant them immediately. The ash acts as a funghizide and seals the cuts nicely.

[@skinnyWHITEgoyim]

Corn starch does the same thing. It crusts over and prevents rotting.

[@joeGuizan]

Thanks. Was thinking if this ash will help.👍

[@cristallaprade5487]

Without a doubt, the best potato tutorial on YT for the novice home gardener. Well done!

[@Victory646]

Great information! This is my first year growing potatoes and I had no idea that there were determinate and indeterminate potatoes!

[@waynesell3681]

Thank you Gardener Scott.

[@brightantwerp]

Wow, I did not know there was so much to know about potatoes! I just put old store bought potatoes in the ground and wait for about 3 months. It worked well, but I got small and large ones, now I know why. Thank you Sccott!

[@doraw7766]

I have 2 bins for my mini worm farm and add that to every plant. I am giving their soil/dirt more water this year and having more success. Happy gardening.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you! 😊 I’ll be trying to grow potatoes for the first time and doing it in grow bags. This was a huge help!

[@StolenPw]

I used to do this with my grandpa when I was a kid I really miss him.

[@mowerds33]

Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew! Great informational content. Thank you.

[@Rivenrock]

Dang, we just fried potatoes this morning and I'm still hankering for more! And then this video comes as a suggestion to me! KZbin always knows just what I want to find out about!

[@ecologytoday]

Thanks for the detailed video about growing potatoes. I learned a few things just as I am about to plant mine.

[@kevinsmith7068]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have watched hours of videos and this is the first one I have watched with the information I was looking for.

[@jean-pierreposman7282]

I learned a lot thank you for this video

[@LeslieCaza]

Excellent video! You answered all my questions! Thank you!

[@beckysheetz4343]

I keep coming back to this episode as I order, prep and get ready to plant my potatoes. I am very grateful, Gardner Scott.

[@tamarabonet9438]

Thank you for this thorough tutorial! Excellent and I learned a lot!

[@photofreak21]

Thank you Gardener Scott for a very detailed video on growing potatoes! Best one out there I’m probably a little late for this year, but since I have the seed potatoes I’m going to give it a shot. I’m in North Idaho so it’s still a little cool here.

[@ericclaeyborn3600]

Your voice inflections and teaching method reminds me of Fred Rogers. Thank you, for the education.

[@rrubedo13]

Really thorough and informative. I learned a lot about growing spuds, thanks so much for your work.

[@maurastp]

My first time growing potatoes...we'll see. Had some hits and misses, but they are doing very well in 17 gal containers. Learned alot...thanks

[@juliepizzolato1911]

Clear and concise...once again! Shared this one to hubster's phone! Thankyou (again and always) from North Idaho zone 6a 💚🌻🌿

[@jefffarris1288]

Hi Scott, Great video! Two tips I will adapt for next year, as I planted this year's potatoes weeks ago: 1) only having 2-3 sprouts for whole seed potatoes, knocking off extras 2) the soil angle tip for determinates. I never would have thought of this, but it makes total sense! Thanks!

[@lynnchantler96]

Very informative, Gardener Scott. I've never tried to grow potatoes, but your tutorial gives me confidence to give it a try!

[@audreypatterson9121]

Thank you I'm very anxious to get my garden started

[@ATAPORGANIK1502DKS]

Thank you for english subtitle 🙏🤝👍 "Let's Plant today for harvest tomorow"

[@respen43]

Great timing, some seed potatoes I ordered on impulse arrived a few days ago and I didn't realize how different they are to grow compared to other vegetables. Thanks for the video.

[@meegancranston1532]

Thanks so very much for all the awesome information. Really love how comprehensive your information is. Easy to understand and beautifully presented. Thank you from Australia

[@dream__soda7900]

Thank you for all these wonderful videos..! You’ve given me the confidence to start my own vegetable garden.

[@annryals7285]

Very informative. Thank you for the in depth tutorial

[@prodigalfarmer]

Gardener from Alabama you are a great teacher I'm learning with every episode 🎉🎉

[@heidiclark6612]

Geat information on growing potatoes. I tried growing some last year in 7 gallon plastic pots but I was not successful. Maybe I will try it again next year.

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Always learn so many things I never knew❤❤❤❤

[@jcofortco]

Ow WOW, Thank you!!! 😊 Just came in tonight to learn how to plant my seed potatoes. Sadly ALL of them had long "roots" of the eyes. I chose the bag with the fewest &/or shortest so hoping these are still usable? Also, I REALLY appreciate learning that like tomatoes there are Det. & Indet. varieties! I purchased Yukon Gold for the yummiest mashed potatoes & Red Norland for Kabobs & Steak sides, which I just researched & learned are Determinate. So YAHOO! I don't have to now do what I'd planned to do - look around "best methods for growing potatoes". I've not great success with growing 'taters in the past. I now think it's 'cuz I was growing from store-bought Russet/chit/prepped myself then planted... which I just learned are Indeterminate but I only planted in trench and covered once. My bad. Live & Learn! 😊

[@sensenisok]

The "best" KZbin gardener,,,,

[@CorvusBSmith-fr1ew]

Loved this video! Thank you.

[@LeverActionLarry]

Very helpful, will be watching again next year for sure!!

[@garynorcal4269]

Love it .. watching again for the 3rd time as I am getting potatoes ready again this year in Sacramento.

[@amysnipes4245]

So much great information. I looked up and found both my varieties are determinate. That will be easier for me.

[@renestewart1663]

Excellent video.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Thanks so much for this extremely thorough video Mr. Scott! It is just on time💯💯

[@franksinatra1070]

Thanks Scott. I've been struggling with the chitting process as this is the first year I tried it and this video helped a lot on clearing things up.

[@rcolorado2364]

Oh dang I just planted my potatoes about 4 days ago. Although I did chit them because I am in zone 5b, and I need all the time I can get.

[@claudinedecarlisle8647]

Wow. You shared so much information. Thank you.

[@glory3670]

Thanks, this explains so much. I usually grow potatoes from the grocery store that I like. I am assuming they are determinate since that would be easier to grow in a commercial setting.

[@michaelsmielecki6628]

It does not take a big piece of potato to grow a plant. I have had volunteers growing in my compost from just a potato peel.

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

Haha, I've got one in a raised bed that I grew potatoes in 5 years ago. I've dug through that bed 3 feet deep & have yet to find the seed, but every year I get a potato plant in the same spot. 🤣

[@paulbryan4930]

6

[@anchorageprepper9008]

Great video Scott! I’m getting ready to plant my first bucket potatoes this year. Perfect timing. Thank you. Fingers crossed.

[@deborahbarnes8475]

Learned alot. Thanks ❤

[@BoltActionBob]

Great info on potatoes! I had already put mine in (and admittedly made a mistake or two after seeing this), where was this video two weeks ago?!?! Hahaha But some of this good info I can still put to use this season! Thanks GS!

[@Livesparrow24]

I am so glad I came across your channel Mr Gardner Scott. You answered all my questions, excellent content. Thank you 💗💕😊💕

[@kass1564]

I feel so blessed that I just found about your channel, sir. God bless.

[@michaelbrown1070]

This is!, a complete guide to planting. Never heard of the det & ind types for potatoes. Trying to do it right this year. Last year, my first year was ehhh, and I thought I did enough research. Great video.

[@garynorcal4269]

LMAO..watching and learning .. didn't remember this specific video .. but I commented a year ago. Thanks again for great content.

[@evonnewaters4927]

Thanks! It was a good review for year 2 growing potatoes. Forgot about the root side down.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Evonne!

[@noahriding5780]

Thank you for the video.

[@mahsinc]

Great video, highly instructional. Thank you

[@dr.lucikidd2208]

Thank you for this background information on potatoes. I have watched other videos from well known people in this field and no seems to take the time to actually explain the potato seed, chatting, and most importantly the differences between determinate and indeterminate -wow! Mind blowing neglect of critical information in order to be successful. I do have one question for you, why do you not fertilize around the potato seed before adding on the soil after planting?

[@GardenerScott]

Because I use amended soil with nutrients in it, there is little need for additional fertilizer.

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

astonishing content Gardener Scott. I killed that thumbs up on your video. Keep up the really good work.

[@bobbun9630]

I can't claim to be an expert, but there is one thing I would do differently on preparing the potatoes... I would cut the potatoes early rather than late. The sprouts near the end of a potato tend to be dominant over the others. By cutting early, you should get more even sprout development among all the pieces. Also, while it's true that a bigger piece can give a plant an early boost, my experience with saved potatoes from a prior harvest is that a potato as small as a marble has a pretty good chance of producing a healthy plant (I save green potatoes and small potatoes that aren't worth the trouble of storing and preparing). The idea that you can get higher yields from indeterminate potatoes by building up additional layers of soil seems to be fairly controversial. For another perspective, I would suggest searching for "Potato Towers Don’t Work".

[@gingermilsap7157]

I want very much to have success in growing potatoes. I would like to grow sweet potatoes and a couple other types. Red skinned, and something else. I’m very reticent because of lack of knowledge of my soil content. I tried last year and had little success for all the work I put into it. Everyone seems to think we should have great soil but it has too much clay and compaction! I’ve ordered the book you recommend so I hope it will enlighten me. We added/amended the soil last year so MAYBE we will have better luck this year.

[@livenotonevil8279]

Totally tuber, dude. Look forward to your video on totally rad--ishes.

[@nataliaandrievskaya7787]

First time growing potatoes. Didn't know they can be determinate and indeterminate 😅 Have planted them in the grow bags a month ago and packaging long gone, will have to find out in the end of the season (didn't note the name of the variety either 🤔)

[@donnahall8593]

Thank you for all these informative gardening Videos .Especially for a new gardener. If I may ask ,where have you purchased your potatoes?

[@GardenerScott]

I've bought from local nurseries and online from sites like Fedco.

[@lesliescully3544]

Very clear and love the low key voice.

[@drunkviggo7263]

Damn bro this is a Legendary Potato Growing video.

[@mikefa5891]

Another informative and educational video. I wonder if most potatoes we buy from the supermarkets and grocery stores are more likely to be determinate potatoes? And if we simply don't know, are we able to tell the difference after they start to grow since they are all planted 4"-6" below ground to begin with anyways?

[@GardenerScott]

I imagine many supermarket potatoes are determinate because they grow faster and tend to be more uniform. There's really no way to tell by looking at the plant.

[@jobrown7647]

Great information. Thank you.

[@FuzzyGecko]

I just threw mine in the ground and they are very happy xD. Prob going to get little tots though

[@kmiller6002]

Awesome video Gardener Scott... I'm growing mine in tires

[@mannyradzky493]

Great idea, but eventually you’ll get TIREd!!

[@kmiller6002]

@@mannyradzky493 😂😂

[@christinapoulaki3809]

Maybe you think another place..! Tires are full of heavy metals and toxins....!

[@icsouls]

Awesome video, 😀

[@MJ-bg8gn]

thank you...

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Question Scot: I have 2 options for where to plant potatoes and need help deciding. #1. On a Composite Deck in pots. #2. On soil in my fenced garden in pots. If I go with this option I can use 10 gallon open bottom pots I have. Kinda like a mini raised bed. My garden is crowded but the deck is wide open. Thank you in advance!!

[@GardenerScott]

I like the idea of open pots on soil so soil organisms can have free access. Work out a priority for the space in your garden and see where the potatoes fit in.

[@audreypatterson9121]

Gardner, Scott first I want to thank you for your KZbin instructions. You're the only one that I've found that lives here in Colorado. I have some questions I'm not from Colorado I was gardening up in Minnesota, which is a totally different thing, we didn't garden up there like you do here. I live on a ranch on the high plains near Bennett. Actually, North of Bennett, about 17 miles East of D. I. A. I have some potatoes that I planted last year. I had them in the basement, and now they have long sprouts. And I am wondering, can I put them out in my garden now? Should I put them in a grow bag or a box? What should I do right now? Because they're ready to go into the ground. Today is March 9th.

[@GardenerScott]

The ground, bags or box will work. It may be a tad early but with long sprouts they need to be planted soon. You can cover to keep warm during any cold snaps.

[@audreypatterson9121]

Thank you

[@danielbridges]

Love the videos I watch on 2x speed

[@archiecollins6450]

In a couple of your videos about seedlings and your seedling mix, you mention that you pre-moisten your seedling mix. I also know your potting soil mix includes peat moss. Do you have to presoak the peat moss for your potting soil like you do your seedling mix?

[@GardenerScott]

You don't have to presoak the peat, but it helps. If I use dry peat, I soak the whole mix and keep it moist before using it.

[@kevinhipps8136]

When i grow potatoes i put about an inch of soil in a fabric bag and fill the bag with soil. I mulch once the plant surfaces.

[@lispottable]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@CB-sr8ee]

Ahhh chitty potatoes…some good little chits you got there!!! 😉

[@lindacobe]

Nice video Mr. Scott! Have you ever thought about planting cassava?

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. My season is too short and winters are too cold for it.

[@lindacobe]

@@GardenerScott My seasons are too short and winters too cold also… but do you think I could make it work in a greenhouse? Thank you sir.

[@GardenerScott]

Possibly, but you may need to heat the greenhouse.