Most gardeners think of potatoes as a spring crop, but autumn can be a smart time to plant them too. In regions with mild winters, fall planting lets the tubers settle in while the soil is still warm, and in many parts of India, October and November are in fact the main sowing months for the winter crop. With cooler weather, fewer pests and steadier moisture, a little effort now can mean a bigger, healthier harvest later. Here is a simple five-step guide to planting potatoes in fall, even if you only have a few pots or a small patch.
Look for firm tubers with small buds, or “eyes”, and no soft spots or mould. Fall planting works best where winters are mild or where the soil does not freeze hard. Aim to plant about six to eight weeks before your first expected frost, or when daytime temperatures settle in the mild range. Planting too late can leave the tubers sitting in cold, wet soil, where they rot. Check your local conditions and, if possible, ask nearby gardeners or an agricultural extension office what works in your area. Cooler, dry weather suits potatoes far better than hot or very damp spells. Buy certified seed potatoes from a nursery or garden store, rather than using supermarket ones, which are often treated to stop sprouting and can carry disease. Early and mid-season varieties usually do well in fall. If the potatoes are larger than an egg, cut them into pieces with at least two eyes each, and let the cut sides dry for a day or two so a protective skin forms.