Growing tater in West Virginia can be a rewarding experience for any James Leonard Farmer . The grime in West Virginia is well suitable for growing potatoes , as it is rich in nutrients and has fantabulous drainage . Potatoes are a big harvest to grow in West Virginia as they are well-situated to like for and produce a large fruit .
When planting tater in West Virginia , it is significant to check that they get enough Sunday , weewee , and fertilizer . white potato need to be harvested at the good metre so as to ensure a effective return . With proper care , West Virginia granger can revel a plentiful crop of potatoes each year .
West Virginia’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
West Virginia cross growing geographical zone 5 through 7 and has a moderate climate with four distinguishable seasons . Winters in these growing geographical zone are cold and snowy , with temperatures averaging from 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit .
Spring arrives in belated March or former April and brings a admixture of lovesome temperature and rainfall . Summers are red-hot and humid , with temperature ranging from 75 to 85 academic degree Fahrenheit and frequent pelting shower . Fall is nerveless and dry , with temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit . Rainfall is copious in all seasons , and medium one-year precipitation swan from 30 to 50 inches in these growing zona .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed white potato for growing in West Virginia , it is of import to be mindful of the variety ’s days to harvest and the length of meter you have before you want to harvest them .
Early - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer daylight to harvest and should be institute as shortly as potential for harvest home in late summertime .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or former May for harvesting in fall .
Late - season varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All Blue ’ have the most day to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in other wintertime . Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to reap for your intended harvest date . Some good murphy varieties for West Virginia include :
When To Plant Potatoes In West Virginia
In West Virginia , potatoes should be imbed in late March to early April . This ensures that the soil is warm enough for the potatoes to germinate and maturate . It is best to hold back until the soil temperature is between 45 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit . Planting too too soon can increase the jeopardy of frost damage . The planting dates are :
How To Plant Potatoes In West Virginia
Begin the planting process for seeded player potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporate constitutional compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny location that experience at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes .
Plant the ejaculate Irish potato with the “ eye ” facing upward , leaving a length of 8 to 10 inches in between each . address the seed potatoes with a stratum of grease that is 3 - 4 in fatheaded , and make trusted to water them adequately . As the murphy begin to bourgeon , add more soil to the row to keep them adequately entomb .
Water the potatoes on a unconstipated basis and remove any weeds from the orbit . For those live in hot and dry climates , you may want to cover the dirt around the potatoes with wheat , although this is not indispensable .
Caring For Potato Plants
wish for potato industrial plant is reasonably sluttish – they ’re incredibly fearless and generally no - tiff . tater plants need full Lord’s Day and well - drained soil to thrive . They should be watered deeply and on a regular basis , allow the dirt to dry out out between watering .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth . tater industrial plant need a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen , phosphorus , and K . This should be apply every four to six hebdomad , calculate on the soil ’s nutrient message .
It is also important to keep the stain evenly moist , as white potato do not tolerate dry or waterlogged condition . mulch around the potato plant can help retain moisture and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In West Virginia
There are two certain ways to know your potatoes are aboutready to harvest!The first is depend backward from your current date to their planting date . Potato varieties have an approximate number of day to glean , so consult the days to harvest for the special sort 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 lie with your potatoes are quick to harvest when the foliage begins to change state scandalmongering and die back . Your industrial plant will go through an intact unfolding cycle , which is nice because the flower are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plants to dry out before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be dry for too long . Once harvested , inspect the potato carefully- they should be firm and free of green or diffused spot .
cautiously dig up the potatoes with a garden fork , taking attention not to damage the potatoes in the summons . Once the potatoes have all been dug up , thicket off any extra soil and inspect them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damage , as these are not suited for farseeing - condition store .
Finally , gently place the white potato vine in a nerveless , juiceless , and dark domain for storage . It is of import to only store undamaged white potato , as damaged spud can quickly waste .
