In the home garden it is usually not practical to attempt to lower the pH using acid forming fertilizer or sulfur. If limestone is used in the garden, do not apply any in the current season to the area where potatoes will be grown to keep the pH low and thus reduce scab. Note that dry soil conditions and excessive applications of fresh manure can also increase the amount of scabby tubers. The best solution if scab is a problem is to grow resistant varieties such as Chieftain, Norgold Russet, Norland, Russet Norkotah, and Superior. Potatoes are normally planted in April on Long Island .
Irrigation increases yields substantially when applied during dry weather.
Production in a 10 foot row can vary from 15 lbs. Potatoes can be harvested any time for immediate consumption once the tubers are of sufficient size. Tubers harvested before the plant tops have had a chance to die should be intended for fresh use only. They will have thin skins which can be easily bruised. These immature potatoes will lose water rapidly, causing the tubers to shrivel and become soft in storage.