Growing Potatoes Potatoes may be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in the early spring, but you must use good judgement. The soil should be evenly moist, but not wet or soggy. Potatoes can tolerate a light frost, but you should provide some frost-protection for the plants when they are young. This can be a loose covering of straw, or a temporary plastic tent. If you plan to store potatoes through the winter, you can plant a second crop as late as June 15.
Potatoes are susceptible to several serious diseases.
Even though the potatoes you saved from the previous year, or the potatoes you see in the supermarket may appear healthy, they should not be used for your seed. Certified seed potatoes are disease free, and have been selected to give you the best results with the highest yields. Certified seed potatoes are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers. There are several different varieties of potatoes to choose from, each with it's own characteristics and qualities. The most popular types are listed here.