The recommended depth to plant potatoes varies somewhat depending on soil type and planting method, but generally falls within these ranges:
- Standard planting depth: Plant seed potatoes about 10 cm (4 inches) deep in a trench or hole. This is common for most garden soils and allows tubers to develop well without greening from sunlight exposure
- Deeper planting: In loose, well-drained soil or raised beds, potatoes can be planted deeper, around 8 to 9 inches (20-23 cm). This method reduces the need for hilling during growth but may delay emergence and requires more effort at harvest
- Shallow planting: In heavier soils, shallower planting is advised, around 5 cm (2 inches), to avoid rot and poor emergence. Lighter soils can tolerate about 8 cm (3 inches) depth
- Container planting: For pots or containers, plant seed potatoes similarly about 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring enough space per tuber for growth
Spacing between seed potatoes is typically about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart, with rows spaced 18-36 inches apart depending on the variety and growing system
. In summary, a good general guideline is to plant potatoes about 4 to 6 inches deep in most soils, with deeper planting (up to 9 inches) in loose, well-drained soil, and shallower planting (2-3 inches) in heavy soils to prevent rot
