July 9, 2026, 1:21 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Potatoes are among the most popular vegetables in home gardens. They are relatively easy to care for and, with proper care, yield a bountiful harvest. However, beginners often make mistakes that hinder growth or significantly reduce the harvest. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering explains the four most common mistakes in potato cultivation–and how to do it better.
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1. Mistake: Planting potatoes too early
Many hobby gardeners can hardly wait for the gardening season to start and plant their potatoes in early spring. The problem: The soil is often still too cold. Potatoes germinate and grow best when the soil has warmed to about 46 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If planted too early, the tubers can rot or sprout very slowly. While some early varieties tolerate light cold, prolonged frost can damage the young shoots.
It is advisable to wait until around April or–in colder regions–even until early May to plant. Pre-sprouted seed potatoes also provide a growth advantage.
2. Mistake: Choosing the wrong location
Potatoes need a lot of sun. If grown in partial shade or shade, they often develop fewer and smaller tubers. The soil also plays an important role. Compacted or permanently wet soil hinders growth and promotes diseases and rot. Ideally, the soil should be loose, rich in humus, and well-drained.
It is important to loosen the soil before planting. Ideally, some compost should be worked in as well.
3. Mistake: Forgetting to mound up
A classic beginner’s mistake is to simply let the potato plants grow. However, the so-called mounding up is one of the most important care measures.
Once the shoots are about 6 to 8 inches high, soil is heaped around the plants. This creates additional areas where new tubers can form. At the same time, the layer of soil prevents potatoes from being exposed to light and turning green. Green potatoes contain solanine and should not be eaten.
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4. Mistake: Watering too much or too little
Potatoes require consistent moisture–especially during tuber formation. However, many hobby gardeners either water too infrequently or overdo it. Extended dry periods can slow down tuber growth. Too much water, on the other hand, easily leads to waterlogging and increases the risk of fungal diseases and rotting potatoes.
It is better to water less frequently but thoroughly. The soil should remain evenly moist but never permanently wet.
How to achieve a good potato harvest
By choosing the right planting time, ensuring a sunny location, regularly mounding up the plants, and watering as needed, you create the best conditions for a successful harvest. With relatively little effort, you can enjoy healthy, flavorful potatoes from your own garden in the summer and fall.