Growing white potato in zone 6 is a entire breeze . The clime is perfect and the produce season is sufficient . Solanum tuberosum involve a minimum of four month of Robert Frost - free weather for suppurate , so they are best implant in bounce when temperature are systematically above 50 degrees Fahrenheit . With the right care and aid , you’re able to have a successful potato crop in zona 6 .
USDA Hardiness Zone 6 Climate
Climate Zone 6 is characterized by moderately insensate winters and quick to hot summer . The average last Robert Frost date , when temperatures are systematically above freezing , is around April 21st . The median first hoarfrost date , when temperature are consistently below freezing , is between October 31st .
Summers in Zone 6 are generally hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to the mid-90s ( F ) . Winters can be cold , with temperatures often dipping down into the teens ( F ) . Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the yr , with an average of 40 inches of rain and snow annually .
The Best Seed Potatoes For Zone 6
When selecting come tater for growing in zona 6 it is important to be aware of the change ’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them .
former - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as presently as possible for harvest in belated summer .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to reap and should be plant in former April or early May for harvesting in fall .
Late - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All down ’ have the most day to reap and should be institute in tardy April or early May for harvest home in former wintertime . Be certain to select varieties with the correct number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date . Some good Irish potato varieties for zone 6 include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Zone 6
In Zone 6 , potato should be implant two weeks before the average last frost date of April 21st . This permit the murphy to get established before the frost , giving them a head start on the arise season . Planting potatoes in Zone 6 should start around April 7th . Planting potatoes in Zone 6 too early on can result in stunt growth and loser to thrive , as the cold soils can make the white potato to rot . However , planting potatoes too late can result in lower yield due to decreased growth time .
Shoot for just about April 7th , but be mindful of the weather forecast . If it seems like cold weather is persisting later than usual , you may want to wait an extra few days .
How To Plant Potatoes In Zone 6
To establish seed potatoes , start by train the soil for planting . This can be done by till the soil to a deepness of approximately 8 inch and adding organic compost to the soil . Once the soil is ready , place the seed spud in a gay location that receives at least 8 hours of unmediated sunlight .
The seed white potato vine should be planted with the “ eyes ” front up and should be space approximately 8 to 10 inch apart . deal the germ potatoes with 3 - 4 inch of dirt , and irrigate them well . Once the spud begin to sprout , add more soil to the rows to ensure that the Solanum tuberosum are well continue .
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and keep the arena gratis of widow’s weeds .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty easy – they ’re fantastically hardy and generally no - squabble . Potato industrial plant call for full sun and well - drained dirt to thrive . They should be water profoundly and regularly , earmark the soil to dry out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth . Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal part N , phosphorus , and potassium . This should be go for every four to six workweek , depending on the soil ’s alimentary content .
It is also important to keep the soil equally moist , as potatoes do not abide dry or waterlogged experimental condition . mulch around the potato works can help hold moisture and reduce weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Zone 6
There are two sure style to know your potatoes are aboutready to harvest!The first is depend backwards from your current engagement to their planting date . Potato varieties have an near number of days to glean , so consult the days to harvest for the particular miscellanea of potatoes you ’ve plant . If you are n’t sure , assume it ’s around 100 days .
The show of your potato plant is another dead game show . You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliation begin to turn yellow and die back . let the grunge around the plants to dry before harvest , but do n’t give up it to be wry for too long . Once harvested , audit the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and innocent of green or easygoing spot .
