Growing Potatoes in Newfoundland & Labrador
Potatoes are one of the most dependable crops in the province. Cool summers suit them. Plant seed potatoes around your area's last frost, hill them as they grow, and watch for blight in long damp, foggy stretches.
When should I plant potatoes?
Timing can vary substantially across Newfoundland & Labrador. Choose your community for a more local answer.
Common questions
When should I plant potatoes?
Timing depends a lot on where you are in Newfoundland & Labrador. Choose your community above for dates based on its frost record.
Can a frost hurt them?
Shoots that come up before the last frost can be burnt back. Hill soil over them or cover them on cold nights. The plants usually recover.
What location is best?
Full or mostly full sun and loose soil. They tolerate wind better than most crops.
Do they grow in containers or bags?
Yes. Grow bags and large tubs work well and avoid wireworm in new ground.
What commonly goes wrong?
Late blight in wet weather, wireworm in newly broken sod, and scab in dry or limed soil.
When can I harvest?
New potatoes about when the plants flower. Main-crop potatoes once the tops die back, usually late summer into fall.
Varieties to look for
- Early or mid-season types
- Blight-tolerant types
Spacing
30 cm apart, rows 75 cm
Local guides
Also see: Growing Carrots · Growing Cabbage
Check potatoes for your garden
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Check This Crop for My Gardendemo estimate Crop timing rules are general guidance awaiting review by experienced NL growers.