Highlights
Growing potatoes at home is a rewarding anddelicious endeavorthat can provide you with a liberal harvest time of fresh , nutrient - rich genus Tuber . Whether you ’re a veteran gardener or a beginner calculate to exposit your comestible garden , this comprehensive scout will authorise you with the knowledge and technique tocultivate flourish potato plantsin your backyard .
Selecting the Right Potato Variety
The first step in maturate white potato at home is select the good smorgasbord . Consider your mood , soil weather condition , and trust maturity time when making your choice . Somepopular potato varietiesfor home gardens include :
Preparing the Soil
Potatoes thrive in well - drained , loose soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . cook the grunge by till it to a depth of 12 inches andadding organic mattersuch as compost or manure . fend off planting tater in soil that has late been fertilized with invigorated manure .
Planting Potatoes
works tater in the springtime , after the last freeze date . Cut ejaculate potatoes ( potatoes that havesprouted eyes ) into piece with at least 2 - 3 optic per slice . Plant thepotato pieces2 inches deep and 12 - 18 inch apart in row . body of water the Irish potato well after planting .
Watering and Fertilizing
Potatoes command regular lacrimation , especially during hot , wry weather . weewee deeply and infrequently , allowing the filth to dry out out slightly between waterings . Fertilize the potatoes once a month with a balanced fertilizer .
Hilling Potatoes
Hilling potato helps to corroborate the plants andpromote tuber increase . As theplants turn , gradually mound soilaround the foundation of the plants , covering the stems up to the first Seth of leaves .
Pest and Disease Control
spud can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as aphids , Colorado white potato beetle , blight , and strikebreaker . varan yourplants regularlyfor augury of plague or diseases and treat them promptly using organic or chemic method .
Harvesting Potatoes
Potatoes are quick to harvest when the tops of the plants havedied backand the tubers are firm to the touching . Carefully dig up the potatoes using a fork or spade . forefend damaging the tubers .
Curing and Storing Potatoes
After harvesting , bring around the potato by storing them in a coolheaded , dark placewith honorable ventilation for 2 - 3 hebdomad . Thisprocess helpsto thicken the skin and improve thestorage qualityof the tater . Store heal potatoes in a coolheaded , dry place with a temperature between 35 - 45 ° F and humidity around 90 % .
Tips for Success
What You Need to Learn
Q : How deep should I institute potatoes?A : flora potato pieces2inches deepin the soil . Q : How far asunder should I plant potatoes?A : Plant potato pieces12 - 18 inches apart in row . Q : How often should I irrigate potatoes?A : urine potatoes deeplyand infrequently , allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . Q : How do I know when potatoes are ready to harvest?A : Potatoes are ready to glean when the tops of the plants havedied backand the tubers are firm to the skin senses . Q : How do I store potatoes?A : Store cured potatoesin a nerveless , juiceless placewith a temperature between 35 - 45 ° F and humidity around 90 % .
