Potatoes are one of the best vegetables to have in your garden because they are multifunctional and delicious. They're also great for beginners since they are incredibly easy to grow. But, did you know that you can grow potatoes from potatoes? There are some specifics to ensure you get the job done right, though.

In this guide, you'll discover the tools you'll need alongside a step-by-step guide to growing potatoes from potatoes. You'll also learn about the difference between seed and store-bought spuds, and some tips and tricks to keep in mind. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to begin the process yourself.

Tools You'll Need

Potting Soil

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Before you get to planting and growing your potatoes, there are a few tools you'll need to gather. Find all the essential items down below.

  • Seed potatoes
  • Perforated bowl
  • Paper towel or cloth
  • Hand trowel or spade
  • High-quality soil
  • Garden rake
  • Garden hoe
  • Gardening gloves
  • Container with drainage hole (optional)

Seed Potatoes vs Store-bought Potatoes

Closeup of Mixed Potatoes with Sprouts in a Box Ready

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While you may have heard that you can grow store-bought potatoes in your garden, it's not a sure thing. Store-bought taters are often treated with clorpropham (an herbicide/sprout inhibitor). The lack of sprouts makes them more appealing on store shelves. These spuds don't always sprout, which is necessary for growing potatoes from potatoes, so you may not be able to use them.

You can try to wash the clorpropham off, but this can make the taters susceptible to rot, which can also affect their ability to produce potato plants. If you notice that a few of your store-bought potatoes have sprouted, go ahead and try them out! Just, remember that the clorpropham can inhibit the growth of the plant.

Seed potatoes, on the other hand, are tubers used for planting. They are usually saved from the previous year's harvest and are properly stored over the winter. They are almost guaranteed to produce and sprout quite quickly (if they haven't already). You can find them at many garden supply stores in any variation or even in your garden if you've grown taters before.

How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes

Step 1: Allow Sprouts to Grow

potatoes sprouting

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The first step to growing potatoes from potatoes is allowing sprouts to grow. The protuberances are necessary since they will form the buds of the new plants. Simply place the seed spuds in a well-lit, warm, dry spot in a ventilated container. A perforated bowl on your counter in the sunshine should do the trick.

Within a week, the sprouts should grow about 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length and be ready for planting. If not, leave them for a little longer.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

Cut the sprouting potatoes

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While you do not have to cut your seed taters for them to grow, most gardeners do get the most out of each potato by doing so. Cut each spud about two inches wide with two sprouts–cutting them in half will do the trick. Tubers around 1.5 to three ounces can be planted whole, but cutting them is beneficial if they are larger.

Then, return the cut pieces to the sunny spot they were in. Leave them for around two to three days so they can dry out and seal.

Step 3: Prep the Location

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Before you begin planting, it's crucial to prepare the area. Tater plants need around six to eight hours of sunlight a day and will thrive best in temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. So, it's best to choose a partial shady location that won't get too hot. You can also plant spuds in containers, which is ideal if you need to move them around.

Ensure the area is well-fertilized and has high-quality soil. You can also add compost for extra nutrients. Use a garden rake to loosen the soil, ensuring the dirt is airy and light.

Step 4: Plant the Potatoes

Seeding Potatoes

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Whether you grow in a vegetable garden or containers, plant the spuds in holes dug four inches deep and 12 inches apart. Place the taters cut-side down with the sprout facing upwards toward the sun. Cover with soil and water. Continue to water the plants, following the rules for watering your vegetable garden.

Note that planting should occur in early to mid-spring with temperatures around at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Step 5: Hill, Harvest, and Store

Harvesting potatoes

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Five weeks after planting, the plants should be around six to eight inches. Use a spade or hoe, and pile soil to create a one-foot incline on either side of the plants. Continue to do this once a week to protect baby spuds from direct sunlight.

After the taters have been growing for around 70 to 100 days, you can harvest them. Many species will be ready after 10 weeks, but waiting longer will produce the largest crop. Then, store the taters using proper techniques and enjoy them for the rest of the season!

One Potato, Two Potato!

If you're interested in adding to your vegetable garden, spuds are an excellent choice. They are incredibly easy to grow and care for, and you should see results in no time. Remember the difference between regular and seed taters to ensure you get the best results. Then, provide your plants with the proper care to help them grow and thrive.

Are you going to grow potatoes from potatoes this season? Let us know down below! And after you've harvested, try out some of these amazing potato recipes.