Growing potatoes isn’t limited to a single planting season. By sowing a second potato crop, you can extend the harvest period and increase your yields. Here’s everything you need to know to successfully plant and maintain your second crop!

Why Plant a Second Potato Crop?

calendar and dates to know when and how to sow the second potato harvest
  • Extend the harvest season: A second crop can help you enjoy fresh potatoes well into the autumn, even after the initial spring harvest.
  • Increase total production: By planting a second crop, you maximize the number of potatoes you can grow in a single year.
  • Quick turnaround: The earliest varieties of potatoes can be harvested just 90 days after planting.

When to Sow the Second Potato Crop?

The timing for sowing the second potato crop depends largely on your region’s climate:

  • Temperate areas: Plant between July and August to give the potatoes enough time to develop before the first frosts arrive.
  • Mediterranean climates: Sow between August and September, as the autumn temperatures are milder and frost may arrive later.

Keep a close watch for signs of diseases like downy mildew and rhizoctonia, which can stunt your potato plants’ growth.

Which Varieties to Choose for a Second Crop?

To ensure a quick and successful second harvest, choose varieties that mature rapidly. Some great options include:

  • Ratte: A flavorful early variety.
  • Charlotte: Known for its firm flesh and quick harvest.
  • Amandine: Another early-maturing variety, perfect for a second crop.

Optimal Conditions for a Second Potato Harvest

how to sow and plant potatoes in summer to get a second harvest

Achieving a successful second potato crop depends on several key factors:

  • Climate and Temperature: Potatoes prefer moderate climates. Ideal temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Ensure that the first autumn frosts do not arrive before your potatoes are fully developed.
  • Soil: After your first harvest, enrich the soil with compost or natural fertilizers to prepare it for a second crop. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent tuber rot.

Planting Techniques for a Second Potato Crop

  • Sprouted potatoes: Yes, you can plant sprouted potatoes! Choose healthy tubers free from disease. Let them germinate in a bright place for a few weeks, but avoid direct sunlight.
  • Planting method: Dig furrows 10 to 15 cm deep, spacing the tubers 30 cm apart in the row. Leave about 70 cm between each row. Cover the tubers with soil and water generously.

Maintenance, Harvesting, and Storage Tips

plant maintain harvest and store a second crop of potatoes in summer autumn

Once planted, here’s what you should do to ensure a successful second crop:

  • Soil maintenance: Keep the soil moist, especially during the flowering stage. Mound the soil around the plants to protect the tubers from light and boost growth. Watch for signs of diseases and insect damage.
  • Harvesting: Depending on the variety and weather, the second crop can be harvested between 70 and 90 days after planting. Look for yellowing leaves as an indicator that the potatoes are ready. Use a garden fork to carefully harvest without damaging the tubers.
  • Storage: After harvesting, let the potatoes dry in the sun for a day or two. Sort them by hand to remove any diseased tubers that could affect the others. Store the healthy potatoes in a dark, cool, and airy place. Using newspaper in storage boxes helps absorb moisture. You can also apply an anti-germ product to extend storage life.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a second potato harvest that will keep your garden productive and your pantry stocked. Happy planting!

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