Highlights
maturate andharvesting potatoesis a rewarding experience that can provide you with a delicious and nutritious crop . Whether you ’re a veteran gardener or a initiate , thiscomprehensive guidewill render you with all the information you need tosuccessfully cultivate potatoesin your backyard .
Selecting the Right Variety
The first step ingrowing potatoesis choosing the right variety . There are many unlike type of white potato available , each with its unique feature . Consider your climate , soil conditions , and specify manipulation when selecting a variety . Some popular spud varieties let in :
Preparing the Soil
Potatoes thrive in well - drained , loose soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . Before planting , amend the filth with compost or manure to improve its birth rate and drainage . Remove any rocks or debris that may hamper the growth of the potatoes .
Planting the Potatoes
Plant Solanum tuberosum in other outflow when thesoil temperaturehas reached at least 45 ° F ( 7 ° C ) . hollow trenches about 6 inches cryptical and 12 inches apart . Place the seed potatoes ( thin into pieces with at least one “ centre ” on each ) in the trenches , spacing them 12 inches apart . overlay the potatoes with soil and lightly tauten it down .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water thepotatoes regularly , especially during ironic go . direct for 1 - 2 inch of water supply per week . Fertilize the plants once a month with abalanced fertilizer . void overwatering or overfertilizing , as this can lead to problems such as disease or wretched tuber ontogeny .
Hilling Potatoes
As thepotato plant farm , hill them up bypulling soilaround the base of the stems . This helps to support the plants and prevent the tubers from being exposed to sun , which can turn them green and sulphurous .
Pest and Disease Control
potato are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases . vernacular pests include aphids , Colorado potato beetle , and wireworms . mutual disease let in blight , scab , andpotato virus . rehearse good garden hygienics and use appropriate control metre to forbid or oversee these job .
Harvesting Potatoes
potato are ready to harvest when thefoliage turn yellowanddies back . Carefully dig around the plants with a spade or fork , being careful not to damage the tubers . let the potatoes to dry out in the sun for a few time of day before salt away them in a cool , dark office with unspoilt ventilation .
Storing Potatoes
Properly stored potatoes can last for several months . Keep them in a nerveless , dark placewith a temperature between 35 - 40 ° F ( 2 - 4 ° C ) and arelative humidityof 85 - 90 % . Avoid storing potatoes in plastic bags , as this can trap moisture and advertize bunkum .
Wrapping Up: Your Potato Cultivation Journey
grow and harvest home potatoes is a rewarding and pleasurable experience . By following these step and cater theproper precaution , you cansuccessfully cultivatea openhanded potato crop in your own backyard . Remember , solitaire and care to contingent are key to producing eminent - character , delicious potato .
Questions You May Have
Q : How often should I water my murphy plants?A : Water theplants regularly , especially duringdry spells . drive for 1 - 2 inches of water per workweek . Q : How do I preclude potato blight?A : Practice good garden hygieneand avoid water theplants overhead . Use blight - resistant varieties and murder infected flora forthwith . Q : Can Igrow potatoesin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow potatoesin container . select alarge containerwithgood drainageand meet it with a potting mix specifically designed for potato . Q : How long does it take for potatoes to mature?A : The time it takes for white potato vine tomature change dependingon the variety . mostly , most potatoes take 70 - 120 days to mature . Q : How do I know when potato are quick to harvest?A : tater are quick to glean when thefoliage turns yellowand dies back .
