The optimal period for planting seed potatoes in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b hinges on soil temperature and the risk of frost. This specific planting window ensures that the tubers develop under favorable conditions, maximizing yield and minimizing the potential for damage from late-season cold snaps. The “when” in this context refers to a timeframe, typically in the spring, after the ground has thawed and the soil has warmed sufficiently.
Successful potato cultivation relies on timing. Planting too early exposes developing plants to frost damage, potentially killing the sprouts or weakening the plant. Delaying planting can shorten the growing season, leading to smaller potatoes and reduced overall yield. Historically, farmers relied on traditional knowledge and observation of environmental cues, such as the budding of certain trees, to determine the ideal planting time. Now, soil thermometers offer a more precise approach.