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I grew up hearing that potatoes should go into the ground around St. Patrick’s Day. As a gardener, I’ve learned that bits of advice handed down through generations often blend fact and folklore, so I decided to dig into (pun intended) the reasoning behind this long-standing tradition.
Potatoes are native to South America, with evidence of cultivation dating back nearly 8,000 years. Indigenous peoples domesticated them, and they became a staple crop of the Incan civilization. Spanish explorers introduced potatoes to Europe in the 16th century, where they eventually took firm root—especially in Ireland. There, potatoes became a dietary mainstay, firmly linking the crop to Irish culture.
Potatoes reached the American colonies in the early 1600s, reportedly arriving in Virginia as a gift from the governor of the Bahamas. Like their initial reception in Europe, potatoes were slow to win over American palates. Their popularity grew gradually, helped along when Thomas Jefferson famously served them at White House dinners.
So how did St. Patrick’s Day become associated with planting potatoes? The answer is both cultural and practical. In 19th-century Ireland, potatoes were typically planted in mid-March when soil conditions were workable and hard frosts were becoming less likely. Irish immigrants carried this habit with them to the United States, passing the tradition from one generation to the next.
From a gardening standpoint, the timing makes good sense. St. Patrick’s Day falls close to the spring equinox, when days grow longer and soil temperatures begin to rise. In our area, this usually means the worst of winter’s cold is behind us, creating suitable conditions for planting cool-season crops like potatoes.
Potatoes are relatively easy—and very rewarding—to grow. Plant seed potatoes about seven inches deep with the “eyes” facing up, then cover them with three to four inches of soil. As the plants grow, continue to mound soil around the stems, leaving the leafy tops exposed.
Once the plants have bloomed and the foliage has died back, it’s time to harvest. Freshly dug potatoes are a treat when prepared right away, but for storage, allow them to dry in the garden for a couple of days before tucking them into a cool, dark place to enjoy later. Depending on the variety and the weather, potatoes can be ready to harvest in as little as three months—just in time to savor alongside early tomatoes and sweet corn. Are you hungry yet?
For more information about the Caroline County Garden Club visit our Facebook page at Caroline County Garden Club-Maryland or call 410-253-9540.
