Potatoes are one of the most democratic and various crop for rest home gardeners , providing a delicious , nutrient - productive staple food . However , successfully grow and caring for potatoes postulate knowledge of their unequalled needs . This comprehensive pathfinder will take you through everything you need to live about how to look after potatoes , from selecting the right multifariousness and make the soil to watering , fertilizing , and manage with unwashed pests and diseases . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner , these expert tips will ensure a healthy and bountiful potato harvest .

1. Types of Potatoes

Before you start establish , it ’s indispensable to choose the right eccentric of white potato for your garden and culinary need . tater come in several change , and understanding the differences can help you make the effective selection .

1.1.First Early Potatoes

First former tater are the quickest to mature , normally within 10 - 12 weeks of planting . They are belittled in size and ideal for new tater . democratic first early miscellanea let in :

1.2.Second Early Potatoes

Second early potatoes take about 14 - 16 weeks to mature . They are slightly turgid than first former potatoes and can be used as salad Irish potato . Common varieties include :

1.3.Maincrop Potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are plant afterwards in the season and take 18 - 20 weeks to mature . These potatoes are heavy , store well , and are perfect for baking , mashing , and frying . Maincrop variety include :

2. Preparing the Soil for Potatoes

spud get best in well - enfeeble , on the loose , and slimly acidic grime with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5 . right soil preparation is crucial for healthy plant and a successful harvest time .

2.1.Soil Type

Potatoes thrive in loamy or sandy soil , which allow for their Tuber to develop without being limit . Avoid intemperate clay soil , as it can cause poor drain and precede to rotting Tuber . If you have clay soil , consider planting potatoes in raised beds or containers filled with weak grunge .

2.2.Soil Amendments

To improve the territory ’s fertility , process in plenty of constituent thing , such as compost or well - waste manure , before establish . This boosts the soil ’s structure , better drain , and put up all-important food for tater growth .

2.3.Fertilization

white potato are big feeder , intend they demand a nutritive - fat surroundings to thrive . Before planting , add a balanced fertiliser , such as 10 - 10 - 10 , to the soil . concentrate on phosphorus and K , which support root and tuber developing . forfend supererogatory atomic number 7 , which can lead to lush foliation at the expense of tuber growth .

3. Planting Potatoes

Planting spud at the right metre and in the correct way is key to their success . Potatoes prefer cool temperatures , so early springtime is the beneficial clip to found them .

3.1.When to Plant Potatoes

Potatoes should be plant in former spring , about 2 - 4 weeks before the last expected frost date . The soil temperature should be at least 7 ° C ( 45 ° atomic number 9 ) to ensure good sprouting and maturation . you could stagger planting to extend the harvest time of year by planting early , second early , and maincrop variety at different times .

3.2.Preparing Seed Potatoes

Instead of plant whole potatoes , gardeners useseed potatoes , which are certified disease - costless genus Tuber . To prepare your seed Solanum tuberosum :

3.3.Planting Depth and Spacing

For container planting , take the container with about 10 - 15 cm ( 4 - 6 inches ) of territory , place the seed white potato vine , and cover them with another 10 cm ( 4 inches ) of soil .

4. Watering Potatoes

Proper tearing is essential for potato development , particularly during tuber formation . Too little urine can lead to small , misshapen Tuber , while too much water can cause rot and disease .

4.1.Watering Frequency

Potatoes need about2.5 cm ( 1 inch)of water per week . Keep the filth systematically moist but not waterlogged . Water early in the morning to give up the foliage to dry out before even , trim down the risk of infection of fungal diseases .

4.2.Watering Tips

5. Hilling Potatoes

Hilling is an essential process for growing white potato vine and involves mounding stain around the base of the flora . This encourage tuber development and prevents the spud from being let on to sun , which can turn them green and toxic .

5.1.How to Hill Potatoes

Once the potato plants reach about 15 - 20 cm ( 6 - 8 inch ) improbable , begin mounding soil around the base of the plant , hide about one - third of the stems . Repeat the physical process every duet of week as the plant grow , eventually create a mound that is about 30 cm ( 12 inches ) gamey .

5.2.Benefits of Hilling

6. Fertilizing Potatoes During Growth

While potatoes are heavy feeder , over - fertilizing can result in too much leafy increase and fewer tubers . It ’s essential to feed your plants the right nutrients at the right time .

6.1.Side-Dressing with Fertilizer

After hilling , side - attire the plants with a balanced plant food , such as5 - 10 - 10 . Apply the fertiliser along the sides of the rows or around the base of the flora . Be measured not to let the plant food come into lineal contact with the plants , as this can cause burning .

6.2.Compost Tea

Another excellent way to provide nutrients to your Irish potato plants is by usingcompost tea , which can be applied as a foliar spray or water into the soil . Compost Camellia sinensis provide all important micronutrients and boosts plant immunity .

7. Pest and Disease Control for Potatoes

potato are susceptible to a motley of pests and disease , but with proper care and tending , you’re able to minimize these problems and keep your plant healthy .

7.1.Common Potato Pests

7.2.Common Potato Diseases

8. Harvesting Potatoes

The timing and method acting of harvest potatoes depend on the type of potato you are growing . former varieties can be harvest while still modest , while maincrop potatoes should be left in the ground until amply mature .

8.1.When to Harvest Potatoes

8.2.How to Harvest

Use a garden ramification to

cautiously plagiarise the plants , starting from the edge to avoid damaging the tuber . Shake off the soil and provide the tubers to dry for a few hours before lay in .

9. Storing Potatoes

right storage is essential to prevent potatoes from coddle or spud .

9.1.Curing Potatoes

After harvest home , cure potatoes by leave them in a cool , dark , and well - air area for about 10 - 14 day . This toughens their skin and help them store longer .

9.2.Long-Term Storage

Store cure tater in a dark , nerveless , and humid surroundings , ideally at temperature between 7 - 10 ° C ( 45 - 50 ° farad ) . void storing them near onions , as the gas they emit can cause the white potato to spoil .

Conclusion

Looking after potatoes ask aid to detail , from grunge preparation and imbed to lacrimation , fertilizing , and pest control . By following these steps , you ’ll be well on your way to enjoy a bountiful potato harvest time . With the correct forethought , your potato industrial plant will thrive , providing you with delicious tubers for month to come . felicitous gardening !

observe all our September Monthly horticulture and allotment jobshere

Join our new daily newssheet for bakshish , advice . recipe , videos plus tons more . conjoin for detached !

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription .

Share :