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If you ’re yearn to cultivate your own bountiful harvest home of Kennebec potatoes , this comprehensive scout will equip you with the knowledge and technique to ensure theirthriving growing . From select theideal soiland planting the seed potatoes to nurturing the plants and harvest home themature tubers , this article will guide you through every step of the summons .
Choosing the Right Soil: The Foundation of Success
The foundation of successful potato polish lies in take the good soil . Kennebec potatoes thrive in well - drain , loose , and fecund soil with a pH ranging from 4.8 to 6.2 . avert backbreaking clay stain that canhinder drainageand throttle root ontogenesis .
Selecting and Preparing Seed Potatoes: Setting the Stage for Growth
Selecting sound and disease - loose seed potatoes is crucial for a productive harvest . Choose manifest ejaculate potatoes fromreputable sourcesto derogate the jeopardy ofdisease transmission . Before planting , cut the come potato into pieces , ensuring that each piece has at least one “ eye ” or get spot .
Planting the Seed Potatoes: Nurturing the Beginnings
found the seminal fluid potatoes in the natural spring , when thesoil temperature reaches45 - 50 ° F ( 7 - 10 ° ascorbic acid ) . Dig holes 4 - 6 in deep and space them 12 - 18 inch aside . Place the seminal fluid potato pieces in the holes , heart - side up , andgently coverthem with dirt . water system thoroughly after constitute .
Watering and Fertilizing: Providing Essential Sustenance
irrigate the potato plants on a regular basis , specially during blistering anddry atmospheric condition . Avoid overwatering , as waterlogged soil can lead toroot rotting . Fertilize the plant every 4 - 6 weeks with a balanced plant food to provide them with the food they require for optimal growth .
Hilling the Potatoes: Protecting and Encouraging Development
As thepotato plants grow , hill the soil around them to create mounds . Hilling help to stand the plants , prevent tubersfrom greening , andimprove drain . Repeat the hilling process as the plant life originate taller , ensuring that the mounds are at least 6 inches high .
Pest and Disease Management: Safeguarding Your Crop
Protect your potato plants from unwashed pests and disease byimplementing preventive measuresand monitor them regularly . practice dirt ball traps or insecticidal liquid ecstasy to hold aphid , Colorado potato beetles , and other worm . Practice craw rotation to reduce the risk of grunge - borne disease .
Harvesting the Kennebec Potatoes: Reaping the Rewards
When thepotato plant beginto die back and the leaves turn yellow , it ’s time to harvest the tubers . stab carefully around the plant to void damaging them . allow for the potatoes to dry in a cool , shaded area for a few 24-hour interval before storing them in a dark , well - ventilated place .
Storing Kennebec Potatoes: Preserving the Harvest
Store Kennebec potatoes in a coolheaded , sour , and well - ventilate placewith a temperature between 38 - 42 ° F ( 3 - 6 ° C ) and arelative humidityof 90 - 95 % . Avoid storing them near ethylene - produce fruit such as apple and banana , as this can accelerate spoil .
Questions You May Have
Q : What is theideal planting depthfor Kennebec potatoes?A : 4 - 6 inches bass . Q : How often should I water my potato plants?A : Regularly , peculiarly during hot and dry weather condition . Q : What is the best way toprevent greeningof potatoes?A : Hill the territory around the flora as they spring up . Q : How can Icontrol aphidson my tater plants?A : Useinsect trapsor insecticidal soap . Q : When is the skilful prison term to harvest Kennebec potatoes?A : When theplants begintodie backand the leaves reverse yellow .