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Growing Potato Tips
Plant potatoes in your home garden and grow one of the most
popular vegetables eaten today. Each American eats about 30
pounds of potatoes a year.
To begin growing potatoes buy certified seed potatoes at
nurseries or garden centers. The ones in supermarkets have
usually been treated with growth retardants.
Ten to 14 days before planting, place seed potatoes in a
warm area so they begin sprouting. Then, a day or two
before planting, use a sharp knife to cut the sprouts, or
eyes, into pieces. Each piece should contain 2 or 3 eyes.
The bigger the piece, the more food the young potato plant
will have to start growing.
About a week or two before the last frost date in your area
you can plant the potatoes. Select a site that receives
full sun.
Dig up the soil so that it's loose and drains moisture well.
Make rows about two and a half to three feet apart.
Plant the potato pieces every 15 inches with the cut side
down.
Potatoes are susceptible to frost so if they should be
growing when frost conditions are imminent cover then with
straw or a blanket or other light covering.
As the plants grow, mound additional soil around the plants
every week or two. Continue to add soil or mulch or black
plastic around the plants throughout the growing season.
The potatoes should not be exposed to sunlight or they will
obtain a green coloring which is toxic.
Water well throughout the summer. The most critical time is
when the plants are flowering and for a short time afterward
as that is the time when they are producing the young
potatoes. Water in the morning so that the plants dry
before nightfall. Potatoes are very susceptible to fungal
diseases.
Fertilize every two to four weeks with a good root crop
fertilizer.
Potatoes don't have many pests but the most common one is
the potato beetle which can be controlled with vigilance.
When foliage turns yellow and dies back, discontinue
watering. The young potatoes will now mature. Harvest
follows in about two weeks. But harvesting can occur at any
stage of growth for small baby potatoes.
For winter storage let the potatoes dry either outside or in
a dry, cool area for a few days.
For more information on natural potato fertilizer and potato
beetle control visit:
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Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website
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