Since the average American eats about 125 pounds of potatoes and potato products each year, Irish potatoes are one of America's most popular vegetables. Potatoes need full sun for best production. Soil Preparation and Fertilization Potatoes do best in a loose, well-drained, slightly acid soil. Poorly drained soils often cause poor stands and low yields.
Heavy soils can cause tubers to be small and rough.
Remove rocks, large sticks and trash from the soil before spading. Spade the soil 8-12 inches deep. Turn the soil over to cover all plant material. Bedding is very important for drainage. Because potatoes need adequate fertilizer in early season, apply most of the fertilizer just before planting.