Potatoes are a popular crop to grow in Montana . The clime is ideal for growing tater , with plentifulness of temperateness and quick days to assist them raise . Montana soil is also very fat and rich , making it the gross position to raise potatoes . With the right combining of soil , water , and sunshine , Irish potato can be harvested in as little as three calendar month .
As a fillip , potatoes are a intrepid crop and can withstand cold temperature , so they can be grown in Montana even during the cold winter month . With proper care and aid , growing Irish potato in Montana can be a rewarding experience for any gardener .
Montana’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Montana is an talkative state with diverse mood , ranging from semi - desiccated prairie in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west . Growing geographical zone 3 through 6 span the area of Montana with variable climates , from the coolheaded and rainy Northwest corner of the state , to the dry and sunny regions of the Dixieland .
In turn zone 3 , temperature are cool , averaging between -30 and 20 degree Fahrenheit in the wintertime and 40 to 70 degree Fahrenheit in the summertime . The region can experience uttermost weather , including heavy snowfall or polar winds . Summers are generally mild with episodic rainstorm .
geographical zone 4 ’s climate is like to geographical zone 3 but is slightly warmer . Temperatures may reach the scummy 20 in the winter , and the mid-80s in the summer . hurry is higher in this region , with an one-year norm of 10 to 20 in .
geographical zone 5 sees a warmer clime with temperatures ranging from -30 to 20 degree Fahrenheit in the wintertime and mid-80s to low 90 in the summer . Precipitation is still higher than geographical zone 3 , with an annual average of 20 to 30 inches .
Zone 6 is the warmest of the get zones , with temperatures ranging from the low 10s to humble 90 in the winter and mid-90s to 100 arcdegree Fahrenheit in the summertime . Precipitation is higher than in the previous zones , averaging between 30 and 40 inches per year . winter may be cold or mild , and summers are often hot and dry .
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When select seed potatoes for growing in Montana , it is important to be mindful of the variety ’s day to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to reap them .
Early - season varietiessuch as ‘ Yukon Gold ’ and ‘ Red Norland ’ have few days to glean and should be planted as soon as possible for harvesting in later summertime .
Mid - season varietiessuch as ‘ Russet Burbank ’ and ‘ Kennebec ’ have more day to reap and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in capitulation .
Late - season varietiessuch as ‘ Cara Russet ’ and ‘ All Blue ’ have the most days to reap and should be establish in late April or early May for harvesting in former wintertime . Be sure to select salmagundi with the ripe number of daytime to harvest for your intended crop escort . Some right Irish potato miscellanea for Montana let in :
When To Plant Potatoes In Montana
Potatoes can be planted in Montana in the early bound , when the soil is moist and temperatures are between 40 - 50 ° F . Planting should occur 2 - 3 hebdomad before the last spring Robert Frost engagement in the area .
How To Plant Potatoes In Montana
Begin the planting process for ejaculate tater by tilling the soil to a deepness of 8 column inch and incorporating organic compost . Once you have done this , find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hour of direct sun and place the seed potatoes .
Plant the seed potatoes with the “ center ” facing upward , forget a distance of 8 to 10 inch in between each . Cover the come potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3 - 4 column inch thick , and make certain to water them adequately . As the potatoes begin to sprout , add more soil to the row to keep them adequately bury .
Water the Irish potato on a even basis and take away any green goddess from the domain . For those living in hot and ironic climates , you may need to cover the territory around the potatoes with straw , although this is not essential .
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for murphy plants is pretty easy – they ’re incredibly brave and in general no - fuss . Irish potato plant necessitate full sun and well - enfeeble soil to prosper . They should be water deeply and on a regular basis , allowing the soil to dry out out between waterings .
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth . Irish potato plant need a balanced fertilizer with adequate parts N , morning star , and atomic number 19 . This should be apply every four to six weeks , calculate on the dirt ’s nourishing depicted object .
It is also of import to keep the soil equally moist , as potatoes do not digest dry or waterlogged conditions . Mulching around the potato plants can help hold back moisture and come down locoweed .
When To Harvest Potatoes In Montana
There are two trusted ways to fuck your potato are aboutready to harvest!The first is counting back from your current particular date to their planting date . Potato smorgasbord have an approximate issue of days to glean , so confab the day to harvest for the particular variety of potatoes you ’ve planted . If you are n’t sure , assume it ’s around 100 day .
The show of your murphy plant is another dead giveaway . You will have intercourse your Solanum tuberosum are quick to reap when the foliage commence to turn yellow and die back . Your industrial plant will go through an integral efflorescence cycle , which is nice because the bloom are really beautiful .
Allow the grease around the plants to dry before harvesting , but do n’t allow it to be teetotal for too long . Once harvested , inspect the spud carefully- they should be firm and free of green or lenient spot .
cautiously dig up the potatoes with a garden fork , taking care not to damage the potatoes in the summons . Once the potato have all been dug up , brushing off any superfluous soil and visit them for any damage . Discard any potatoes that are damaged , as these are not suitable for long - term storage .
Finally , lightly place the tater in a nerveless , wry , and dark area for storage . It is important to only store undamaged potatoes , as damaged potatoes can quickly waste .
