Essential Information
Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror just set about out , grow potato is a rewarding and easy - to - manage attempt . With this comprehensive guide , complete with footstep - by - step picture , you ’ll ascertain everything you need to know about cultivate your own delicious , homegrown spud .
Planning Your Potato Patch
pick out the Right locating : Potatoes preferwell - enfeeble soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . Select asunny spotwith at least six hours of sunlight per day . fix the Soil : Amend the soil with compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility rate . Till the soil to a deepness of at least 12 column inch .
Selecting Potato Seed Potatoes
type of white potato vine : There are many varieties of potatoes , each withunique characteristics . Choose potatoes worthy for your climate and cooking taste . Certified Seed white potato : Usecertified germ potatoesto ensure disease - free plant . These potatoes have been inspected and are guaranteed to be true to type .
Planting Potatoes
Timing : plant life potatoesin the springtime when the grease has warm to at least 45 ° F ( 7 ° C).Spacing : Plant potatoes12 - 18 in apart in rows 2 - 3 foot asunder . Dig maw 4 - 6 inch abstruse . Planting : Place theseed potatoesin the holes , eye - side up . Cover them with soil , exit about an inch of the Irish potato exposed .
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering : weewee potatoes regularly , particularly during blistering , juiceless atmospheric condition . Keep thesoil systematically moistbut not waterlogged . Fertilizing : fertilise potatoeswith a balanced fertilizer once or twice during thegrowing time of year . habituate a fertilizer with ahigh N content earlyon and switch to a plant food with a high-pitched P substance after in the time of year .
Hilling and Mulching
Hilling : As thepotato plants grow , hill up the soil around the nucleotide of the plant . Thishelps protectthedeveloping tubersfrom ignitor and pests . Mulching : Spread a layer of mulch , such as straw or compost , around the plants toretain moisture , suppress weeds , and regularize dirt temperature .
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests : Potatoes can be susceptible to pests such as aphids , Colorado white potato beetles , and wireworm . Useorganic pest control methodswhenever potential . Common disease : Potato plants can be affected by diseases such as blight , scab , andverticillium wilt disease . drill harvest rotation and use disease - resistant assortment to prevent these disease .
Harvesting Potatoes
time : Harvest potatoeswhen the tops of the works havedied backand the soil has cool down to around 50 ° atomic number 9 ( 10 ° C).Digging : Dig up the potatoes cautiously using agarden forkorpotato shovel . address them gently to avoid bruising .
Storing Potatoes
Curing : After harvesting , bring around the potatoes by placing them in a coolheaded , dark placefor 2 - 3 weeks . Thisprocess helpsthe skins to toughen and forestall spoilage . depot : Store cured potatoesin a cool , morose , and well - ventilated sphere . Usemesh bagsor cardboard box to allow for air circulation .
Wrapping Up
Growing potatoes is a square and rewarding experience that can leave you with a liberal harvest . By following these tone and incorporating thehelpful pictures , you could enjoy fresh , homegrown potatoesall season long .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Igrow potatoesin containers?A : Yes , tater can be grown in container as long as they are at least 12inches deepand havedrainage holes . ascertain toprovide adequate wateringand backing for the plants . Q : Why are my Irish potato leaves turning yellow?A : Yellowing leavescan indicate a lack of nitrogen , deficient sunlight , or pests . moderate thesoil fertility , supply more sunshine , or treat for pests as necessary . Q : How can I keep potato blight?A : Potato blightcan be prevented by using disease - resistant varieties , practicing craw gyration , andavoiding overhead watering . take away infected plants immediately and incline of them properly .
