In Massachusetts, the ideal time to plant potatoes is in early spring, typically from late March to mid or late April. This timing is about two to three weeks before the average last frost date to avoid cold soil conditions that can cause seed potatoes to rot. The soil should be warming up, ideally reaching around 50-60°F, to encourage good growth and rapid emergence of the plants. Waiting until the soil has warmed slightly helps the potatoes grow steadily without stress. In northern states like Massachusetts, this usually means planting potatoes anywhere from late March through early May is suitable, with mid-April being a common time for planting in backyard gardens. Potatoes are hardy and can even tolerate a light frost, but planting too early in cold, water-logged soil should be avoided.