Select seed potatoes from a local nursery or garden center. You can choose from different varieties such as Russet, Red, or Yukon Gold, depending on your preferences and climate.
Potatoes thrive in loose, well-drained soil. Choose a sunny spot in your backyard, and add organic compost to improve soil fertility and texture. Make sure the soil is slightly acidic, ideally with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5.
Before planting, cut the seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” (sprout). Let the cut pieces cure for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place to prevent rotting.
Dig trenches or holes about 4-6 inches deep, and space the potato pieces 12 inches apart. Plant them with the eyes facing up and cover them with soil. If planting in rows, space the rows 2-3 feet apart.
Potatoes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
As the potato plants grow, mound soil around the base of the plants (this is called "hilling"). This helps protect the tubers from the sun and encourages the plants to produce more potatoes.
Potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants start to die back and the leaves turn yellow. Gently dig around the plants with a shovel or garden fork, being careful not to damage the tubers. Harvest early for smaller "new potatoes" or wait until the skin is fully set for larger potatoes.