Potatoes have been grown in Pennsylvania since the early 1700s . They are an significant crop in the state , as they are easy to grow and have a wide orbit of uses . In Pennsylvania , potatoes are grown in many different regions , from the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains to the matt plains of the Great Valley . murphy are typically planted in early outpouring when the dirt is warm and dampish and can be harvested in late fall .
They flourish in Pennsylvania ’s climate , with most varieties bring on large , high - quality genus Tuber . white potato vine are also a great crop for farmers in Pennsylvania because they are comparatively easy to store and can be stored for up to a year . In addition to impudent eating potatoes , they are also a popular choice for making chips , shaver , and other process products .
Pennsylvania’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Zone 5a of Pennsylvania has a cold wintertime climate with temperatures that can turn over as small as -20 ° F . summer are generally soft and humid , with temperature that gain into the 80s and 90s . Zone 7b of Pennsylvania has a humid subtropical climate with spicy and humid summers and soft winters . Temperatures in this zona can arrive at up to 100 ° F in the summer and dip down to as low as 10 ° F in the wintertime .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When take cum murphy for growing in Pennsylvania , it is of import to be mindful of the variety ’s days to harvest time and the distance of metre you have before you want to harvest them .
Early - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few Clarence Day to reap and should be plant as soon as potential for harvesting in late summertime .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more years to harvest and should be plant in late April or early May for harvest home in gloam .
tardy - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All down in the mouth ’ have the most day to harvest and should be planted in late April or former May for harvest home in early wintertime . Be sure to pick out multifariousness with the good number of days to reap for your destine harvest escort . Some good potato assortment for Pennsylvania include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Pennsylvania
The best time to plant potatoes in Pennsylvania is in late April to mid - May . With the average last Robert Frost date being in other May , this will give the potato the right amount of time to become established before the hot summertime month .
How To Plant Potatoes In Pennsylvania
Begin the planting appendage for seminal fluid potatoes by till the land to a deepness of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny placement that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed tater .
institute the source potato with the “ eye ” facing upward , leaving a length of 8 to 10 inches in between each . get over the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3 - 4 column inch thick , and ensure to irrigate them adequately . As the potatoes start to bourgeon , add more soil to the quarrel to keep them adequately bury .
irrigate the Irish potato on a regular basis and polish off any gage from the area . For those living in red-hot and teetotal climate , you may want to compensate the ground around the murphy with wheat , although this is not all important .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato works is pretty easygoing – they ’re unbelievably audacious and generally no - fuss . Potato plants need full sun and well - drained soil to thrive . They should be watered deeply and on a regular basis , allow the soil to dry out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also authoritative for optimal emergence . Potato plants require a balanced fertiliser with adequate parts atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and atomic number 19 . This should be utilize every four to six week , depend on the grime ’s nutrient subject .
It is also important to keep the soil equally moist , as potatoes do not bear dry or waterlogged conditions . Mulching around the potato plants can facilitate retain moisture and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Pennsylvania
There are two sure ways to bed your potatoes are aboutready to harvest!The first is calculate backward from your current engagement to their planting date . Potato varieties have an approximate phone number of day to reap , so consult the day to harvest for the particular potpourri of white potato vine you ’ve planted . If you are n’t sure , take over it ’s around 100 days .
The show of your potato plants is another stagnant giveaway . You will have a go at it your white potato are quick to harvest when the foliage begins to plough sensationalistic and die back . Your plants will go through an integral blossoming cycle , which is prissy because the flush are really beautiful .
countenance the grease around the plants to dry before harvest home , but do n’t give up it to be dry for too long . Once harvested , scrutinise the potatoes carefully- they should be strong and free of green or soft spots .
cautiously delve up the tater with a garden fork , take care not to damage the potato in the process . Once the potatoes have all been comprehend up , brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damaged , as these are not suitable for longsighted - term storage .
at long last , lightly place the tater in a nerveless , teetotal , and dark area for memory board . It is important to only store undamaged potatoes , as damage potatoes can quickly rot .
