How to Grow Potatoes in a Warm Climate

Potatoes of all types prefer the cooler weather of fall, winter and early spring. If you live in a region where the soil temperature measures more than 60 or 70 degrees F during summer, you must plant a potato crop in fall -- and harvest it before spring brings warmer weather. Growing an early-ripening variety of potato is also helpful: Check out Irish Cobbler, Caribe and Red Norland. These will produce a crop within 90 days of planting.

Early-season seed potatoes
Soil-test kit
Sulfur (optional)
Shovel
Compost or rotted leaves
Alfalfa meal
Soybean meal
High-nitrogen organic fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Test your soil with an inexpensive soil-test kit to determine its pH. Potatoes prefer an acidic pH below 6.0. To lower your soil pH, add 4 oz. of sulfur to each square yard of soil, or use an acid-based fertilizer.
- 2
  Amend your soil to a depth of 10 inches with organic compost or rotted leaves, alfalfa meal, soybean meal or a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer. Scatter about 2 inches of compost on the soil surface and also lightly scatter the other materials before you dig them into the soil.
- 3
  Cut the seed potatoes into two or three pieces two days before planting. Ensure each piece contains at least two buds, or eyes. Allow the pieces to dry slightly in a well-ventilated, dark area to prevent them from rotting in the ground.
- 4
  Dig furrows about 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart, and then place one of the cut potato pieces every 12 inches. Cover them with 2 inches of soil.
- 5
  Add more soil to fill your furrows after the potatoes sprout.
- 6
  Dig the potatoes when the foliage turns yellow and wilts. Dry the potatoes indoors for two days. It helps to cover them with a damp towel. Do not expose them to sunlight during the drying process. Store the potatoes in an area with a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees F.

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