At a glimpse
Growing potatoes from tater is a rewarding and cost - efficient way to cultivate this various vegetable in your garden . Thiscomprehensive guidewill supply you with all the all important footfall and tip to ensure a successful potato harvest from your existing spud .
Choosing the Right Seed Potatoes
The innovation of a prosperous Irish potato crop lies in selecting healthy cum potatoes . Look for potato that are immobile , mar - free , and have no signal of germinate or disease . Choose licence seed potatoes from areputable supplierto understate the risk ofcarrying diseasesor pest .
Preparing the Soil for Potato Planting
white potato vine prefer well - run out , loose soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . Amend the soil with constitutive matter , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drain . hollow the ground to a profoundness of at least 12 inches and get rid of any rock or great detritus .
Cutting Seed Potatoes
Before planting , trim back theseed potatoesinto smaller pieces , each with at least one “ middle ” orsprouting point . Thisencourages multiple stemsto produce from each part , resulting in a more rich works . Cut the potatoes into 1.5 - 2 in piece , ensure each piece has a healthy eye .
Planting Potatoes
Dig hole 4 - 6inches deepand 12 - 18 inches apart in words . Place the potato pieces in the gob , with theeyes facing upwards . Cover the potatoes with soil and softly firm it around the foundation of the plants .
Mulching and Watering
Mulch around the potato plants with shuck , hay , or compost . Mulch help keep back moisture , suppress weeds , and influence soil temperature . water supply theplants regularly , especially duringdry spell . tater want about 1 in of pee per week .
Hilling Potatoes
As thepotato flora spring up , hill up the dirt around the base of the plants . This encourages the growth of more spud and protects them from sunlight , which can turn them greenish and bitter . Hill the grease up to the first set of leaves .
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out forcommon potato pestsand disease , such as aphids , potato beetle , and blight . Treat infestations promptly to prevent damage to the crop . Useorganic pest control methodswhenever possible .
Harvesting Potatoes
Potatoes aretypically readyto harvest 70 - 90 days after planting . When the leafage starts to yellow anddie back , it ’s fourth dimension to moil up the tater . Use a garden fork or potato excavator tocarefully liftthe potatoes from the grime .
Curing and Storing Potatoes
After harvesting , heal the potatoes by placing them in a coolheaded , dark place for 10 - 14 day . Thisprocess helpsthe skin to harden and foreclose spoilage . Store cured potatoes in a cool , dingy place withgood ventilationfor optimal storage .
Final Thoughts: Reaping the Rewards of Homegrown Potatoes
With careful preparation and execution , you’re able to enjoy a bountiful harvest home of homegrown potatoes from yourexisting white potato . commend to prefer healthy seed potatoes , prepare thesoil properly , and provide regular care throughout thegrowing season . By do the following , you’re able to change state your potatoes into a source of sweet , alimentary vegetable for your family and friends .
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q : Can I set any type of potato to grow new potatoes?A : No , onlycertified seed potatoesare recommend for planting . Regular white potato maycarry diseasesor pests that can harm your crop . Q : How deep should I plant the potato pieces?A : Plant thepotato pieces4 - 6inches deepin the dirt . Q : How often should I irrigate my potato plants?A : potato requireabout 1 inch of water per week , particularly during ironical spells . Q : What is hilling potatoes?A : Hilling potatoes involves mounding soilaround the stem of the plants as they grow . This boost the growth of more white potato and protect them from sunlight . Q : How long does it take for Solanum tuberosum to grow?A : potato typicallytake 70 - 90 days to mature after planting . Q : How do Istore potatoesfor optimal freshness?A : Cure potatoesfor 10 - 14 days after harvest home and store them in a nerveless , grim placewith effective respiration .
