Planting potatoes?

When is it too early to plant potatoes? I am zone 4. Usually do it the end of May. But someone said they did theirs around St. Pattys day?

The common rule for spring potatoes is about six weeks before your last average frost date. Saint Patricks day is popular among gardeners who have an average frost date around May 10-15. Here the target is Valentines day. Further south, planting begins in January.

I am in Zone 4 also. I just did some today. :-) I am a newbie, however, so trust me on nothing. My dad is a long-time gardner and he told me two weeks or so ago that it was okay to start planting potatoes and onions. I have heard that a lot Catholics around here have a tradition of planting potatoes on Good Friday.

Thank you Farmer and thank you Seran for the laugh. Have been gardening a long time but have never tried this early. But as soon as that plot can get worked up they will be in the ground.

DH is playing with the bull dozer right now. Trying to take care of some drainage problems.

Well good to hear your DH is doing something useful.... My hubby enjoyed the sunshine this weekend with some buddies while I did some gardening... He is impressed with my green thumb, but I had to disappoint him by telling him I can't grow everything...

And to get back on topic, I'll be planting some taters this week, if the weather holds out! Haven't grown them before, but I can't wait!

I'm curious about planting potatoes. Are you planting different varieties than those that are commonly available in the stores or farmers markets? I never considered planting potatoes before.

I'm going to stop by my farmer's market (which is just around the corner, less than 1K, lol) and get their seed potatoes. I never have grown potatoes for that reason - I could just run out and get some from the market. But I think it's fun to grow as much stuff as you can. I will be able to save a few bucks this summer, not splurging on their fresh potatoes because I will dig up my own. And in the winter, I'll go back there for more, as I can't store many root vegetables for long. I would like to eventually grow something a little different, but for now this will do.

I love Red potatoes so that is my main one.
We got some Blue Russian I think they were called.
Yukon Gold to Try and a late season red.

The sign said 10# plants a 100 foot row.

Love growing my own potatoes. Plus love digging them up to see what treasure there are down there!

Also the fact that we can save some money doing it.

The Maine Potato Lady says to plant the as soon as the dandelions start to bloom! (Yep - I'm late!