When to Plant Potatoes in Washington State: A Complete Guide for Gardeners (2026)

Grow Great Vegetables in Washington is a state-specific gardening guide designed to help you grow fresh, delicious vegetables no matter where you live in the Evergreen State. Author Lorene Edwards Forkner brings years of Pacific Northwest gardening expertise to this book, making it a solid resource for anyone from first-time gardeners to seasoned growers. The book focuses on Washington's unique climate challenges and opportunities, from rainy coastal areas to drier eastern regions.

The standout feature is the month-by-month gardening calendar, which tells you exactly what to plant and when. This takes the guesswork out of timing your garden. There are also 38 detailed plant profiles, covering popular vegetables, herbs, and fruits, with specific advice on soil, water, and pest management. The planting and harvesting charts are a nice bonus for quick reference. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear section headings.

Design-wise, it's a standard paperback with a sturdy cover and good binding. The dimensions (7.05 x 0.59 x 9.05 inches) make it easy to carry to the garden or keep on a shelf. The print is readable, and the layout uses bullet points and tables effectively. At 240 pages, it's substantial without being overwhelming.

One potential drawback is the lack of customer reviews, so it's hard to gauge how well the advice works in practice. Also, if you garden outside Washington, this book won't be much help. Some gardeners might wish for more plant profiles, but the 38 covered are among the most common and useful.

Overall, Grow Great Vegetables in Washington is a valuable tool for anyone gardening in the state. It's practical, well-researched, and tailored to local conditions. If you're looking for a reliable, region-specific guide to boost your vegetable harvest, this is a smart choice.

"Growing Potatoes" by Dion Rosser is a practical guide for anyone wanting to grow their own spuds, whether they have a backyard plot, a balcony with containers, or just a few grow bags. The book lives up to its title by covering all the common methods container, raised bed, bag, and in-ground cultivation. It's aimed at beginners but also offers useful tips for experienced gardeners looking to refine their techniques.

The standout feature is the thorough treatment of the entire potato growing cycle. You get clear explanations on chitting seed potatoes, selecting the best varieties for different cooking purposes, and understanding soil needs and watering schedules. The harvesting and storage section is particularly valuable, with advice on curing, preventing rot, and keeping your crop fresh for months. The author also includes a brief history of the potato and its biology, adding context that enriches the experience.

Design-wise, the book is a standard paperback with a straightforward layout. There are no photos or illustrations, which may disappoint visual learners who prefer diagrams of planting depths or spacing. The text is well organized by chapter, but the lack of visual aids means you'll need to read carefully. The writing style is direct and conversational, which helps keep the instructions accessible.

One potential drawback is the independent publishing quality; the editing is decent but not flawless, and some sections could benefit from more detailed tables or checklists. Also, at 180 pages, it covers a lot of ground but may leave some readers wanting deeper dives into specific issues like pest control or organic methods. However, for its price point and scope, it delivers solid value.

Overall, "Growing Potatoes" is a reliable, no-nonsense guide that demystifies potato cultivation. If you want to enjoy fresh new potatoes in summer and store a hearty supply for winter, this book gives you the blueprint. It's a worthy addition to any home gardener's library, especially for those focused on growing their own food.

The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest is a practical, region-specific handbook written by Lorene Edwards Forkner. It is designed for anyone growing food in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or southeast Alaska. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned gardener new to the Pacific Northwest, this book helps you navigate the region's unique growing seasons.

The standout feature is the month-by-month layout. Each chapter covers what to plan, plant, and harvest during that month, along with essential garden chores. This structure makes it easy to pick up the book at any time of year and know exactly what to do. The guide also includes a vegetable-by-vegetable reference with tips on varieties, planting depth, spacing, and common pests.

Real-world performance is strong. Verified buyers consistently praise the book for its clarity and usefulness. Many note that it helped them achieve a bumper crop of peppers, tomatoes, kale, and squash. The weekly to-do lists and seasonal reminders are especially appreciated by those who feel overwhelmed by gardening decisions. The book also addresses the challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate, including dry summers and wet winters, and offers advice for coastal areas affected by salt air.

Design and build quality are good for a paperback reference. The 232 pages are printed on sturdy paper with clear fonts and helpful diagrams. A common criticism is the lack of physical tabs. The month labels are printed on the cover, which some find inconvenient when flipping between sections. The book also has limited information on raised bed gardening, which may disappoint those who garden exclusively in raised beds.

Overall, this guide delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, regionally accurate roadmap for vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest. It is not the most exhaustive reference, but its focused approach and user-friendly format make it a valuable tool. If you live in the region and want to grow your own food with less guesswork, this book is a smart investment.

Pacific Northwest Month-by-Month Gardening is exactly the kind of regional guide every gardener in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Northern California should own. Authored by Christina Pfeiffer and Mary Robson, two respected local horticulturists, this book strips away generic advice and delivers a practical, season-specific plan for keeping your yard vibrant all year. Whether you just bought your first home with a garden or have been tending the same beds for decades, the monthly breakdown makes it easy to stay on track without feeling lost.

The standout feature is the book's clear organizational structure. Each month gets its own chapter that outlines what to do for planning, buying, planting, and maintenance. You will find step-by-step instructions for tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and dividing perennials, all illustrated with helpful photos. The photography is not just decoration - it shows you exactly what to look for, from leaf shapes to disease symptoms. Real readers rave about how this format simplifies their gardening routine and builds confidence.

Design-wise, the book is thoughtfully laid out with a sturdy cover and a size that tucks easily into a tool bag. The 208 pages are filled with practical content without being cluttered. You get solid information on trees, shrubs, flowers, groundcovers, and lawns, all tailored to the cool, wet climate of the Pacific Northwest. The writing is direct and approachable, avoiding overly botanical jargon while still being accurate.

No product is perfect though. A few readers mention they would like more photographs of individual plants, especially for identification purposes. The book assumes you already know what basic plants look like, so if you are a total beginner needing visual ID help, you might want a companion field guide. Also, very advanced gardeners may find the content a bit basic for their needs. But for the vast majority of home gardeners, this strikes the right balance of depth and accessibility.

Overall, this is one of the best investments you can make for your Pacific Northwest garden. It takes the stress out of wondering what comes next and replaces it with a simple, effective plan. The high rating and glowing reviews from actual users confirm that this book delivers on its promise to be your go-to year-round reference. If you live in the region and care about your garden, pick it up.

Grow Great Vegetables in Oregon by Lorene Edwards Forkner is a focused, practical guide for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving vegetable garden in the Beaver State. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned green thumb, this book meets you where you are. It's built around Oregon's famously unpredictable weather, from soggy winters to dry summers, and offers actionable advice for every month of the year.

The standout feature here is the month-by-month breakdown. Instead of generic tips, you get specific tasks for January through December, like when to start seeds indoors or how to protect plants from a sudden frost. The 35 plant profiles are a big plus too. Each one covers soil needs, spacing, and harvest timing for crops like tomatoes, kale, and carrots that do well in the Pacific Northwest. The planting and harvesting charts are handy, making it easy to plan your garden without guesswork.

The book is written in a clear, encouraging tone. Forkner doesn't assume you know everything, so she walks you through basics like soil preparation and watering. The digital version is well-designed, with enhanced typesetting and page flip that work great on a phone or tablet. At 231 pages, it's substantial but not overwhelming. You can jump to the month you need or browse the plant profiles for quick reference.

There are a few drawbacks. The book doesn't include X-Ray or Word Wise features, which could help with quick lookups. And since it's so focused on Oregon, gardeners in other states won't get the same value. The Best Sellers Rank is a bit low, probably because it's a niche title, but that doesn't reflect the quality of the content.

Overall, Grow Great Vegetables in Oregon is a solid investment for any Oregon gardener. It's practical, well-organized, and written by an expert who understands the local conditions. If you live in the Pacific Northwest and want to grow your own food with less stress, this guide is worth picking up.

The Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener's Handbook is a practical, spiral-bound guide that turns the overwhelming task of vegetable gardening into a series of simple, manageable steps. Written by Jennifer Kujawski, this book is designed for anyone who wants to grow their own food without the stress of figuring out when to plant, prune, or harvest. It is especially suited for beginners who lack experience and for seasoned gardeners who want to optimize their timing for higher yields.

The standout feature is the customizable weekly schedule. You start by determining your last spring frost date, then work forward and backward to fill in specific dates for each week of the growing season. This means the advice is tailored to your exact climate, not a one-size-fits-all plan. The book covers all major tasks: starting seeds indoors, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, pest monitoring, and harvesting. It also includes space to record notes for three years, so you can track what worked and improve each season.

Design-wise, the spiral binding is a huge plus. It lays flat on a table or the ground, even with dirty hands, and the durable covers withstand outdoor use. The illustrations are clear and instructive, focusing on key details without clutter. The writing is friendly and encouraging, often including tips and anecdotes from the authors own garden. This makes it an enjoyable read as well as a functional tool.

No product is perfect. The biggest drawback is that you must calculate your frost dates and manually fill in the weekly dates, which takes some initial effort. Also, while the system is flexible, gardeners in extreme climates (very short or very long seasons) may find that some tasks don't perfectly align. Finally, the book focuses exclusively on vegetables; if you also grow flowers or herbs, you will need a separate guide.

Overall, the Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener's Handbook is an exceptional resource that delivers on its promise of a more organized and productive garden. With a nearly perfect rating from thousands of users, it is a proven tool that simplifies gardening and reduces anxiety. If you want to grow vegetables with confidence and learn from your own experience, this book is a smart investment.

Simply Seed's Yukon Gold Certified Seed Potatoes give home gardeners a straightforward path to growing one of the most popular gourmet potato varieties. These 3-pound bags of whole tubers are American raised, non-GMO, and certified disease-free so you can plant with confidence. This is a solid choice for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, buttery Yukon Golds straight from the garden without dealing with supermarket potatoes that may carry sprout inhibitors or diseases.

The standout feature here is the certification and handling. Simply Seed stores the tubers in cold storage before packing and shipping them, which helps maintain freshness and encourages strong sprouting once planted. The Yukon Gold is a determinate, midseason variety that typically matures in about 60 days after planting. That's relatively quick for a potato, making it a great option for gardeners in shorter growing seasons or for those who want a reliable harvest without waiting all summer.

In the kitchen, Yukon Golds live up to their reputation. They have light yellow flesh that stays fluffy when baked or boiled, and that buttery flavor works in everything from mashed potatoes to roasted wedges and even French fries. The tan skin with light brown flecks doesn't need peeling if you like rustic dishes. Plant them in full sun with loose, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5) and avoid areas where nightshades grew the previous year to reduce disease risk.

On the downside, there are no customer reviews yet to confirm the germination rate or overall quality of this batch. Since it's a new listing, buyers are essentially trusting the brand's claims. Also, the 3-pound bag contains only a modest number of tubers - enough for a small raised bed or a few large containers, but not for a significant row garden. If you want a larger harvest, you may need multiple bags. Finally, potatoes are not a set-it-and-forget-it crop; they need consistent watering, hilling, and pest management to thrive.

Overall, Simply Seed's Yukon Gold seed potatoes are a trustworthy option for home gardeners who value certified, non-GMO seed stock and want a proven culinary variety. The handling and shipping practices suggest a company that understands seed potato needs. If you're looking to grow your own gourmet potatoes and don't mind the modest bag size, this is a great place to start.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener's Handbook is a beautifully crafted guide that lives up to the publication's legendary reputation. This book is designed for anyone who wants to grow their own food, whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned green thumb. It covers every step from planning and soil preparation to harvesting and storing 32 of the most popular vegetables. The handbook feels like a trusted friend walking you through the garden, with friendly advice and practical wisdom that has been refined over centuries.

What sets this handbook apart is its blend of comprehensive information and hands-on usability. Each vegetable gets its own section with detailed instructions on when to plant, how to care for it, and how to deal with common pests or diseases. The over 150 full-color photographs are both inspiring and helpful for identifying plants and stages. The inclusion of reference tables, companion planting guides, and even dedicated pages for recording your own observations makes this a tool you will use season after season. Real-world performance is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, with many users praising its clarity and effectiveness.

The design and build quality are excellent. The book is a sturdy paperback with thick, glossy pages that can withstand being carried to the garden or flipped through while dirty hands hold a trowel. The layout is clean and easy to navigate, with clear headings and a logical flow from preparing the soil to enjoying your harvest. The size (6.75 x 8.75 inches) is comfortable for reading and not too bulky for a shelf or bag. The illustrations and photos are vibrant, making the book a pleasure to browse even when you are not actively gardening.

No product is perfect for everyone. Some experienced gardeners might find the guidance too introductory, especially if they are already familiar with advanced techniques. Additionally, the book devotes a substantial number of pages to blank journal entries for tracking your garden, which some users would rather have filled with more instructional content. It also focuses strictly on 32 vegetables, so if you are looking for information on specialty or less common crops, you may need to supplement with another resource. However, these limitations are minor given the handbook's intended audience.

Overall, The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener's Handbook is a fantastic investment for anyone serious about growing vegetables. It combines time-tested wisdom with a modern, user-friendly format. For its affordable price, you get a wealth of knowledge that will pay for itself many times over in successful harvests. Whether you are starting your first tomato plant or expanding your garden, this book belongs on your shelf.

Publisher: Old Farmer's Almanac

Publication Date: November 12, 2019

Edition: Illustrated

Language: English

Print Length: 208 pages

ISBN-10: 1571988459

ISBN-13: 978-1571988454

Item Weight: 1.18 pounds

Dimensions: 6.75 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1 in Vegetable Gardening, #1 in Organic & Sustainable Gardening & Horticulture, #2 in Gardening Encyclopedias