Lexi Webster
Growing potatoes in Australia is a relatively simple process, but it is important to consider crop rotation to reduce the risk of pest and disease problems and nutrient depletion. The time of year is also an important factor. Potatoes are typically grown in Australia during the spring months, as they are susceptible to frost damage and extreme heat. After harvesting potatoes, it is recommended to plant root crops or salad greens that can mature before cold weather arrives, such as carrots, lettuce, radishes, peas, and spinach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of year | Mid to late summer for new potato crops or fall for storage spuds |
| Crop rotation | Root crops or salad greens |
| Pest and disease problems | Planting potatoes alongside other vegetables and herbs imitates a natural, species-rich environment, keeping pests at bay |
| Nutrient depletion | Plant with vegetables that do not require a lot of nutrients, such as cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi, cabbage, beans, and corn |
| Soil | Well-drained, loose, and moist |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of sunshine a day |
| Fertiliser | High-potassium fertiliser |
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What You'll Learn
Crop rotation
Most gardeners follow a three- or four-year crop rotation plan. This means not planting the same vegetable family in the same spot or garden bed for three or four years. This timeframe is generally long enough to reduce the risk of disease or pest issues. After four years, the cycle begins again with the Solanaceae family of vegetables.
Potatoes are members of the nightshade family, which includes aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes. These crops have similar cultural and nutrient needs and are typically grown together. However, closely related species often suffer from the same diseases, such as late blight. Therefore, it is important to sow different plant families next to each other when practising crop rotation.
After harvesting potatoes, you can plant low-yielding, leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, radishes, peas, and spinach. These vegetables have low nutrient requirements and can help replenish the soil after nutrient-hungry potatoes. Shallow-rooted vegetables such as strawberries are also good companions for potatoes, as they do not compete for space underground. Beans are another good option, as they develop shallow roots and thrive next to potatoes.
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Root vegetables
Carrots
Carrots are a popular choice for root vegetables and can be grown after potatoes. They yield a large harvest in a small space, making them ideal for home gardens. In Australia, carrots can be grown in the southern regions from spring to autumn, while in tropical areas, they thrive in the cooler months. The key to successful carrot growth is good soil preparation and careful seed germination. When planting carrots, ensure the seeds are kept damp after sowing, as they can take up to four weeks to germinate. Thin the seedlings to about an inch apart for baby carrots or two inches for full-sized roots. Harvest the carrots when they reach the desired size. However, if you have wireworms in your garden, it's best to avoid planting carrots after potatoes.
Beets
Beets, also known as beetroots, are another excellent root vegetable to consider growing after potatoes. They produce sweet and earthy roots, along with high-quality greens. Beets are easy to grow in most climates. In tropical and subtropical areas of Australia, they can be grown year-round, excluding the hottest and wettest months. In the southern regions, beets can be sown from spring to autumn. Beets have a long growth period, taking up to 20 weeks to fully mature, so they require a dedicated space in your garden.
Turnips
Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be grown in both spring and autumn in Australia. They are a fast-growing crop, taking around 38 to 50 days to mature after direct seeding. Turnip seeds should be planted in wide bands, spaced about an inch apart. When the seedlings reach a couple of inches in height, thin them to maintain a two-inch gap. Both the roots and greens of turnips are edible, offering a sweet and crisp taste and a vitamin-packed boost.
Radishes
Radishes are a quick and easy root vegetable to grow after potatoes. They can be cultivated in most climates year-round, although germination and maturation may take longer in extreme temperatures. There are two main types of radishes: spring radishes and daikon radishes (also known as winter radishes). Spring radishes are the fastest, with roots ready for harvest within a month of planting. Daikon radishes take a bit longer, around 50 to 60 days, and have longer or rounded roots. When planting radishes, direct sow the seeds about a centimetre deep and five centimetres apart, covering them lightly with soil.
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Leafy vegetables
Lettuce is a popular choice for planting after potatoes. It can be grown in spring, fall, or winter, and there are many types to choose from, including romaine, looseleaf, and butterhead, with a wide variety of leaf colours and textures. Lettuce seeds can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors under grow lights four weeks before being transplanted. Starting seeds indoors gives your plants a head start and helps to reduce damage from pests like slugs.
Spinach is another leafy green that can be grown after potatoes. Spinach is a shallow-rooted plant, so it is a perfect companion for potatoes. It also enriches the soil with phosphorus, which is beneficial for root crops.
Swiss chard is a reliable and delicious leafy green to plant after potatoes. The baby leaves can be used fresh in salads, while the mature leaves are great for soups, pastas, and casseroles. Chard also adds beauty to your garden, with its dark green crinkly leaves and brightly coloured petioles.
Other leafy vegetables that can be grown after potatoes include silverbeet, kale, and brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
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Timing
The timing of your potato harvest will influence what you can plant next. Potatoes are usually ready to harvest two to four months after planting, when the plants start to flower and the foliage begins to yellow and die back. You can check if they are ready by gently feeling under the soil. If they are still small, leave them for a few weeks to develop.
If you harvest your potatoes in mid- to late summer, you can replant the bed with crops like bush beans, peas, lettuce, radishes, spinach, or other root crops or salad greens that will mature before the cold weather arrives. If you harvest your potatoes in early autumn, you will have less time to establish a second crop, but you may still be able to grow some vegetables before the cold weather sets in.
After harvesting your potatoes, it is important to practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of plant diseases and pest issues. This means not planting any crops from the potato family (Solanaceae), such as tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, in the same garden bed for at least three to four years. Instead, you can plant crops from other families, such as onions, leeks, garlic, or other root vegetables.
If you are planning to grow potatoes again the following year, it is best to plant them in a different spot or garden bed. You can also interplant your potatoes with companion plants that have low nutrient requirements, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, corn, beans, or pumpkins. These plants can help increase yields, keep pests away, and provide support for each other.
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Soil health
Preparing the soil before planting is essential. Dig the area to at least a spade's depth, creating a mound or mounded row. Mixing in quality, well-composted manure or compost about a week before planting improves the soil structure and nutrient content. It is also beneficial to use a controlled-release fertiliser and cover it with a few centimetres of soil before placing the seed potatoes.
Crop rotation is a critical practice to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease issues. Potatoes should not be grown in the same bed every year, and a 3 to 4-year crop rotation plan is recommended. This helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases and prevents nutrient depletion. Marigolds are an excellent companion plant for potatoes, as they release pyrethrin, which is harmful to common pests like aphids and whiteflies, thereby improving soil health.
Companion planting can also enhance soil health and pest control. Garlic, for instance, shares similar growing requirements as potatoes and helps deter pests. Beans, onions, cucumbers, and corn are other companion plants that provide benefits such as added nitrogen to the soil, improved flavour, and mutual shade and support.
Finally, maintaining proper soil moisture is vital for potato growth and soil health. Potatoes should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and mulching with hay or straw can help retain moisture and reduce evaporation. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can induce fungal problems and other soil-borne pathogens.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to practice crop rotation and not plant anything from the potato family (Solanaceae) in the same garden bed for at least three to four years. You can plant root crops or salad greens, leafy vegetables such as lettuce, radish, pea, and spinach, or herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, and basil.
Companion plants can help increase yields and keep pests at bay. Good companions for potatoes include garlic, onions, beans, corn, pumpkin, and cabbage.
Potatoes are best grown during the Spring months in Australia, as they are susceptible to frost and extreme heat. In warmer parts of Australia, they can be grown all year round, but the preference is from early autumn to early spring.
