At a Glance
Potatoes are a various andnutritious cropthat can flourish in many climates . With the right techniques , you’re able to develop an abundance of potatoes in your own backyard or garden . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with tone - by - stone’s throw instructionson how to grow wads of Irish potato , from selecting the right sort to harvesting and put in your bounty .
Choosing the Right Potato Varieties
The first step ingrowing potatoesis choose the good varieties . There are two main types of murphy : early - season and previous - time of year . Early - time of year white potato mature in 60 - 80 days , while former - season potatoes take 90 - 120 days to mature . Some pop former - season varieties let in :
Some popular late - season varieties include :
Preparing the Soil
Potatoes favour well - drained soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . If your soil is too acidulent , you canadd limeto raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline , you canadd sulfurto lower the pH.Before planting , till the soil to a profoundness of 12 - 18 inches . Remove any rocks or debris that could interfere with the growth of the white potato .
Planting the Potatoes
Potatoes aretypically plantedin the spring , once the territory has warm to at least 50degrees Fahrenheit . Plant the murphy 12 - 18 in aside in rows that are 3 - 4 understructure aside . pose the potatoes in theplanting holewith the “ eyes ” ( little indentionson the Earth’s surface of the white potato ) facing up . Cover the spud with 2 - 3 inch of soil .
Watering and Fertilizing
Hilling the Potatoes
Hilling is the mental process ofmounding soilaround the radix of thepotato plants . This helps to suffer the plants and prevent them from accrue over . Hill the murphy when they are about 6inches tall . utilize a hoe or shovel tomound soilaround the base of the plant , lead the meridian of the plants disclose .
Controlling Pests and Diseases
white potato are susceptible to a turn of pest and diseases , including aphids , Colorado potato beetles , and potato blight . You cancontrol pestsand diseases by using organic orchemical methods . Organic methods include using insecticidal soap , neem crude oil , or fellow traveler planting . Chemical methods let in using pesticide and antimycotic .
Harvesting the Potatoes
white potato vine are ready to harvest when the tops of theplants beginto die back . Dig thepotatoes carefullywith a shovel or murphy fork . Allow the white potato vine to dry in the sun for a few hour before storing them .
Storing the Potatoes
Potatoes can be stack away for several months in a cool , dark , anddry berth . direct the white potato in a box or basketful and cover them with a stratum ofpeat mossor drinking straw . Check thepotatoes regularlyfor signs of spoilage . Remove any Solanum tuberosum that are soft , bruised , or sprouting .
Tips for Growing Tons of Potatoes
What People Want to Know
Q : How many potatoes can I grow per plant?A : You cantypically grow5 - 10 white potato vine per flora . Q : How long does it take to grow potatoes?A : Early - season potato mature in 60 - 80 days , while recent - time of year potatoes take 90 - 120 days to mature . Q : What is the better way to store potatoes?A : murphy can be stored for several month in a cool , glowering , anddry place . set the potatoes in a box seat or basket and wrap up them with a layer ofpeat mossor husk . Q : What are somecommon pestsand diseases that affect potatoes?A : Some uncouth pests and diseases thataffect potatoes include aphids , Colorado Irish potato mallet , and potato blight . Q : How can Icontrol pestsand disease on my potatoes?A : You cancontrol pestsand disease by using organic orchemical methods . constitutional methods include using insecticidal soap , neem oil , or companion planting . chemic methods let in using pesticide and fungicides . Q : What is the good direction to harvest potatoes?A : Dig thepotatoes carefullywith a shovel or Irish potato crotch when the acme of theplants beginto die back . Q : How long can I store potatoes?A : Potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool , dark , and wry office .
