Growing Onions & Potatoes: A Simple Guide for a Successful Harvest
There’s nothing quite like harvesting your own onions and potatoes straight from the garden. Whether you’re planting in raised beds or directly in the ground, these two staples are easy to grow and incredibly rewarding.
In our area, onions and potatoes can typically be planted as soon as the soil is workable—usually around late April. Both thrive in full sun and prefer rich, well-drained soil. For best results, we recommend using our Complete Garden Blend topped with Purple Cow Activated Compost to give your plants a strong, healthy start.
Growing Onions
Onions can be planted from either sets or seedlings:
- Onion sets are small bulbs started the previous year (great for beginners!)
- Seedlings come in small packs and are planted once the season is underway
At Down to Earth, we carry both options—along with popular varieties like red, white, and yellow onions, plus shallots (planted just like onion sets).
How to Plant & Care for Onions:
- Plant sets point side up, 1–2 inches deep
- Space about 4 inches apart
- Water well at planting, then allow soil to dry between waterings
- Keep weeds under control to prevent fungal issues
When to Harvest:
- Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over
- Let onions sit on the ground for a few days to dry (if weather allows)
- Once cured, trim stems and store in a cool, dry place
Growing Potatoes
Potatoes are planted from seed potatoes, which are actually tubers cut into pieces before planting. We carry a variety of favorites including Norland Red, Yukon Gold, German Butterball, Purple Majesty, and more.
How to Plant Potatoes:
- Cut seed potatoes into 2–4 pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye”
- Let pieces cure overnight before planting
- Plant 4–6 inches deep, spaced 12 inches apart
- Keep rows about 24–36 inches apart
Growing & Care Tips:
- Once plants reach about 12 inches tall, mound soil around the base (this helps protect and grow more potatoes!)
- Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid wetting the foliage
- Fertilize around flowering time—we recommend Espoma Bio-Tone
When to Harvest:
- For new potatoes, harvest around flowering time
- For full-size storage potatoes, wait until foliage yellows and dies back
- Gently dig using a pitchfork to avoid damaging the crop
Bonus tip: If you harvest early (new potatoes), you can often plant a second round in the same space!
Storage:
Store potatoes in a cool, dry place for best longevity.
Whether you’re just getting started or adding to your garden this season, onions and potatoes are a great place to begin. Stop in and we’ll help you pick out everything you need to grow with confidence!