Planting guide · zone 9b
When to plant potatoes in zone 9b
In zone 9b, the average last spring frost is Feb 14 and the first fall frost is Dec 12. Here is potatoes's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 24Plant seed potatoesSpring
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Loose, slightly acidic soil, pH 5.0–6.5. Avoid fresh manure and lime — both invite scab.
Seedling care
Cut seed potatoes into chunks with 1–2 eyes each and let the cut faces dry for a day or two before planting.
Growing notes
Hill soil up around the stems every few weeks — new tubers form above the seed piece, and sunlight turns exposed ones green and bitter.
Harvest
Steal new potatoes at flowering; dig the storage crop 2–3 weeks after the vines die back, and cure before storing.