Potato Planting in April: When Regions of Ukraine Start and Optimal Timing

April is traditionally considered the main period for planting potatoes in Ukraine. However, there is no single date for the start of the planting campaign, as the timing depends on the climatic characteristics of each region and the soil temperature.

This is reported by AgroReview

Start of Planting in Different Regions of Ukraine

In the southern regions of the country, particularly in Kherson, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia, farmers began planting potatoes as early as the end of March. This was made possible by the early warming of the soil to temperatures of +10…+12°C, creating favorable conditions for planting tubers.

In the central and western regions, such as Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Poltava, the optimal period for planting falls around mid-April — approximately from the 10th to the 20th. During this time, the soil temperature typically reaches the necessary +8…+10°C, which is a key factor for the successful germination of potatoes.

In the northern and eastern parts of Ukraine, particularly in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, farmers are currently refraining from planting. Here, the soil has not yet warmed above +5…+8°C, and hasty planting may lead to tuber rot or the emergence of diseases such as rhizoctonia.

Key Factors for a Successful Harvest

The main guideline is not the calendar, but the thermometer: the soil at a depth of 10 cm must consistently hold +8…+10°C. A delay of even 10 days can cost 15–20% of the harvest due to moisture loss in the upper layer of the soil.

It is important to adhere to the soil temperature regime at a depth of 10 cm, as this determines the safe time for planting. Planting too early or too late can negatively affect the future harvest: even a delay of a few days can reduce yield by 15–20% due to moisture loss in the upper layer of the soil.

Favorable days for planting potatoes in April are considered to be the intervals of April 3–7, 9–12, 18–22, and 24–28.