I'm curious about starting to grow potatoes. Can I begin sowing them when daytime temperatures reach around 50°F, even if night temperatures drop below freezing? Has anyone had experience with this, especially in colder climates?
2 Answers
In colder regions like Central Saskatchewan (zone 3b), my dad usually plants his potatoes around the third weekend in May. If you're going deep—like 12 inches—you're following some good advice I found on Epic Gardening. It seems to insulate them better, which helps with those chilly nights. Just keep in mind that the soil has to warm up enough for the potatoes to sprout properly.
It really depends on your soil temperature! Even if the air feels warm during the day, the ground can still be cold enough at night to affect growth. Maybe check a soil thermometer to get a true reading before you decide to plant.