grow potatoes in Alaska can be a rugged experience depending on where in the state you are , but white potato are a hardy crop and can last in low temperatures and short develop seasons . While some gardener may be discerning about growing potato in the frigidness , the headstone to success in Alaska is to start early .
Potatoes should be plant in early saltation when temperature are still coolheaded but are beginning to rise . Since the growing season is relatively short in Alaska , Solanum tuberosum should be planted in ground that is well - debilitate and rich in organic subject . potato should also be watered regularly and fertilized throughout the growing time of year . With right tutelage , potatoes can be a successful and delicious improver to any Alaskan garden .
Alaska’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Alaska ’s climate varies greatly depending on which growing zona you ’re in . Zone 1a is the coldest and eminent of the growing zones in Alaska . This geographical zone is characterized by shortsighted summers and very insensate winters , with temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit . The growing season is very short , normally only lasting a few weeks in belated summertime .
zona 2a is slightly warmer than Zone 1a , with temperatures reaching as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the wintertime . Summers are still short , but the growing season is more or less longer than in Zone 1a .
Zone 3a has temperatures reaching as low as -40 degree Fahrenheit in the winter . summer are still forgetful , but the develop season is slightly longer than in Zone 2a .
Zone 4a is the warmest of the growing zones in Alaska and has the longest growing time of year . temperature range from -30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer .
Hardiness Zones 5 Through 8 For Potatoes In Alaska
The temperature become cooler from Zone 5 with temperatures straddle from -20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 30 to 60 level Fahrenheit in the summer .
It continuously becomes cooler Zone 6a has temperature ranging from -10 to 20 degree Fahrenheit in the winter and from 20 to 50 degree Fahrenheit in the summer .
Zone 7a has temperatures ranging from -0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 10 to 40 degree Fahrenheit in the summertime .
geographical zone 8b is the coolest of the growing zones in Alaska , with temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the summertime . The growing time of year is very short , usually only lasting a few weeks in late summer .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for grow in Alaska , it is important to be aware of the variety ’s days to harvesting and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them .
Early - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have fewer day to harvest and should be planted as soon as possible for harvest home in late summer .
Mid - time of year varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more days to harvest and should be plant in former April or early May for harvest in fall .
recent - season varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All Blue ’ have the most day to harvest and should be constitute in late April or former May for harvesting in early wintertime . Be sure to take diversity with the right number of days to glean for your think harvest engagement . Some good murphy diversity for Alaska include :
When To Plant Potatoes In Alaska
The best time to plant potato in Alaska is in previous May or other June . Planting white potato in Alaska is unremarkably done as soon as the filth is warm enough and can be worked . Planting potatoes too early can lead in poor yield due to cold temperature . Potatoes should be planted by the end of May so as to control a good harvest home .
How To Plant Potatoes In Alaska
Begin the planting process for seed Irish potato by tilling the dirt to a depth of 8 inch and incorporate organic compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny positioning that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and invest the seed potatoes .
implant the seed potatoes with the “ middle ” facing upward , leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each . Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3 - 4 column inch thick-skulled , and check that to water them adequately . As the potato bulge out to sprout , add more grunge to the rows to keep them adequately buried .
Water the potatoes on a unconstipated basis and absent any dope from the region . For those living in blistering and dry climate , you may want to pass over the dirt around the potatoes with pale yellow , although this is not essential .
Caring For Potato Plants
wish for tater plant is somewhat easy – they ’re incredibly hardy and more often than not no - fuss . Potato works ask full sun and well - drained stain to thrive . They should be watered profoundly and regularly , allow for the soil to dry out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal development . spud plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal percentage nitrogen , phosphorus , and K . This should be apply every four to six calendar week , depending on the filth ’s nutrient content .
It is also important to keep the dirt evenly moist , as spud do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions . Mulching around the potato plants can assist retain wet and deoxidize weeds .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Alaska
There are two sure ways to know your potato are aboutready to harvest!The first is bet backward from your current date to their planting date . Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to harvest , so look up the days to harvest for the fussy variety of potatoes you ’ve plant . If you are n’t certain , assume it ’s around 100 days .
The coming into court of your potato plants is another dead game show . You will have intercourse your Irish potato are ready to harvest when the foliation commence to twist jaundiced and expire back . Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle , which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful .
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be ironic for too long . Once reap , inspect the spud carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spots .
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork , taking care not to damage the tater in the process . Once the white potato vine have all been dug up , brush off any spare soil and inspect them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damaged , as these are not suitable for retentive - full term storage .
last , gently place the white potato in a cool , dry , and dark region for storage . It is significant to only store undamaged potatoes , as damage potatoes can quickly waste .
