Irish potatoes are a cool-season crop, and Georgia gardeners usually plant them in early spring—not in the heat of summer. Successful potato growing starts with the right seed potatoes, loose soil and one technique that deserves special attention: hilling.
UGA describes potatoes as a cool-season crop most often planted in early spring in Georgia. The current statewide chart lists approximately Jan. 15–Mar. 1. Local soil temperature and frost risk matter: UGA guidance notes early potatoes can be planted when soil reaches about 45°F, with emergence best above 50°F.
Home gardeners normally plant pieces of certified seed potato containing viable eyes. This is very different from buying a vegetable seedling in a cell pack. Certified seed potatoes also reduce the risk of introducing disease compared with planting random grocery-store potatoes.
UGA's statewide chart lists Red Pontiac, Kennebec, Atlantic and Yukon Gold. UGA's home-potato guide also discusses Red LaSoda, Norchip, Sebago and Irish Cobbler. Importantly, UGA warns that the thick russet-skinned potatoes commonly sold in supermarkets do not perform well in the South.
As potato plants grow, mound soil around the lower stems. Hilling gives developing tubers protected soil volume and helps prevent sunlight from reaching them. Light exposure can turn potato skin green, which is a sign that glycoalkaloids have increased. Do not eat green portions of potatoes.
For small “new potatoes,” gardeners can carefully harvest earlier. For mature storage potatoes, wait until vines naturally decline and the skins have set. Dig gently with a garden fork or similar tool so you don't spear the crop you spent months growing.
Keep harvested potatoes away from light. Cure sound tubers before longer storage and store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated location. Sort out damaged potatoes because cuts and bruises shorten storage life.
Colorado potato beetles, aphids and soil-borne diseases can cause problems. Rotate potatoes and their relatives rather than repeatedly planting the same bed, scout foliage regularly and start with clean seed potatoes. Avoid overhead irrigation late in the day when disease pressure is high.
Continue with Georgia vegetables, our growing guides, seasonal produce and garden-to-kitchen recipes.
Georgia timing note: statewide planting dates are planning guides. Adjust for your county, elevation, frost dates and current weather.
Georgia Planting Calendar · Companion Planting · Georgia Vegetable Guides · Harvesting Guides · Georgia Growing Guides · Seasonal Produce · Pest & Disease Help