Make a furrow four to six inches deep, and, after fertilization, place seed in the furrow and cover with two inches of soil. Ideally, fertilizer should be placed in two “bands,” each band two inches to the side of the planting and one inch below the seed piece. These soils respond well to irrigation. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are approximately 25,000 varieties of tomatoes worldwide. They are probably treated to not sprout. Maine sources for seed potatoes: Here in Maine we have a lot of mail order sources to turn to for our seed potatoes: Fedco’s Moose Tubers, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Maine Potato Lady, Wood Prairie Farm, and Pinetree Garden Seeds to name a few. It soon became evident that soil conditions, long warm days, and cool nights made it an excellent region for growing high quality potatoes. Planting Your Potatoes Seed potatoes are subject to decay when they are exposed to hot, dry Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Over time the potatoes grown have also shifted away from table stock and into specialty markets. Usually, you have to order early and there are dangers of certain varieties selling out quickly. Prepared by Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D., Extension Crops Specialist. Do not use potatoes purchased at the grocery store for seed pieces. These are not true “seed,” but pieces of a potato tuber. From our Maine farm we grow and sell many popular Organic Seed potatoes such as Yukon Gold, Caribe’, Reddale, and Adirondack Blue. However, in the year 2000, Maine grew 63,000 acres of potatoes and nearly 90 percent of that was in Aroostook County. Even a barn or garage in early spring will work well. Oct 14, 2015 - The World of Maine Potatoes. If seed pieces have sprouts over one inch long, keep them cool until planting time. Potatoes need 15-20 weeks before they are ready to harvest, so you can calculate the last possible planting date if you know the typical temperatures in your area. The Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. You may wish to consider potato varieties with some late blight resistance, such as “Kennebec.”. Late blight and early blight are two potato diseases that are common in home gardens. Turn the potatoes over to encourage uniform sprouts. Green Thumb Farms grows potatoes, as well as beans and corn on 2,500 acres. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings to the garden—all customized to your … Potatoes can be planted very early in the season -- almost as soon as the frost is out of the ground and you're able to work the soil. Planting Dates For Potatoes By Zone A soil test will tell you whether to use fertilizer and, if so, how much. Potatoes can be planted earlier on lighter, better-drained soils as these soils dry out and warm up earlier. Maine Potato Lady Potato and Garlic Fertilizer may be worked in 2 weeks prior to planting. These soils will produce more uniformly shaped potatoes but have a tendency to dry out if there isn’t a lot of rain. In the North, you can plant your first crop of early maturing potatoes in April, usually six to eight weeks before the last frost. In Mars Hill, Maine, a potato-growing family has been named Grand Champion Growers while raising only 300 acres. Use a tool that can lift the potatoes out of the soil without damaging them. Maine is among the top 10 potato producing States in the US. Don’t use seed smaller that one inch in diameter. In Mapleton, Maine, Darren Chandler is … The lime needs to be mixed into the soil. Simply form a mound above the potato row. The dry weather in northern Maine also stretches into New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, two potato-growing Canadian provinces. Nowhere will you find higher quality Organic Certified Seed potatoes for planting in fields or gardens. There are insecticide/fungicide combination products that will control both these insects and foliar diseases. Temperatures have dropped, and there has frequently been a frost. The top potato varieties grown in Maine (fall harvest 2016, by acreage) are: Russet Burbank (40.6%) Frito-Lay varieties (15.7%) Norland (5.1%) Lime and manure may be worked into the soil the prior fall. If your area gets hotter than 95, plant your potatoes so they have long enough to mature before the heat hits. Ten pounds of seed will plant about 50 feet of row at eight-inch spacing and about 80 feet of row at 12-inch spacing. Lime will also raise the pH of soil. Soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is considered acid. Maine: Vegetable Planting Calendar Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important for getting the most out of your garden. Nearly 90% of potatoes are planted in the spring after the final frost of the season and harvested in the fall. Ideal storage conditions would be 38 degrees F with 95 percent humidity. If the tops have not died, pull them off or cut them off at least seven days before harvest. The Queen Anne has a smooth, thin bright yellow skin that's resistant to bruising, and is oblong rather than round. The potato is northern Maine’s primary agricultural product and in the 1940s Maine’s potato production was tops in the nation. The healed seed pieces can then be held at low temperatures until planting. Prepare the Soil: Carrots require deep, loose soil for their roots to grow.If planted in shallow or rocky soil, roots bend and … Events include the popular Potato Queen pageants, a float parade, agricultural equipment, fireworks, bands and more. University of Maine, 5741 Libby Hall, Room 103, 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond, 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Greenland Point, 4-H Camp & Learning Centers at Tanglewood & Blueberry Cove, Insect Pests, Plant Diseases & Pesticide Safety, Affiliated Programs, Partners & Resources, Non-Discrimination Statement & Disability Resources, Register for Workshops, Classes, & Events. Sweet potato slips should be planted in warm (65˚) soil as soon as possible after you receive your order. If the seed is cut well before planting, store it at 50 to 55 degrees F and over 90 percent humidity. But if you’re using a garden tiller, be careful you don’t damage potato roots and stolons. Produce you will ever have but have a tendency to dry out if there isn ’ t damage roots. Into the soil production are not recommended for home gardens is 70 degrees F with high humidity & fair!, you have to order early and there are insecticides and fungicides are! 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