Althoughpotatoes(Solanum tuberosum ) are popularly associate with Idaho , the tubers are particularly well suited to Washington , and large amounts are raise commercially in the Columbia Basin . The details of constitute for the household nurseryman are not well different than for other state , but planting dates may vary , and some area of the state are easily suit for originate potatoes than others .
Climate and Soil Preparation
Potatoes in Washington are well engraft between the middle of April and the get-go of August for crop between the beginning August to the beginning of November . They take from 90 to 120 day to ripen .
As a coolheaded - time of year harvest , potatoes are especially well suitable to the interior vale Dame Rebecca West of the Cascade Mountains , along the Columbia River east of Vancouver , the Yakima Valley and the Columbia Basin .
you may plant Irish potato up to two workweek before the last expected icing in your area , but the soil temperature should be at least 45 degree Fahrenheit when you establish them .
Till the filth 8 to 12 inches deep one workweek before you implant the potatoes . At the same clock time , apply 2 to 3 pounds of 10 - 10 - 10 water - soluble plant food per 100 square feet . use it 6 to 7 inch cryptical and 2 to 3 inch to the side of the wrangle where you will institute the potatoes . water system well after total the fertilizer .
Obtaining Seed Potatoes
Potato plants produce from bud found in dimples , called center , on the exterior of bit tailor from seed Solanum tuberosum . Do n’t attempt to utilise grocery store store tater as seed potatoes . They may carry disease , and many are treated with chemicals to prevent them from sprouting . grease one’s palms seed potatoes certify to be disease - destitute from a baby’s room or garden - supply shopping center .
Each seed white potato will succumb several seed pieces with eye . Ten plants will concede about 20 pounds of potatoes . The average grownup eats about 70 pound of tater a twelvemonth .
If you ’re a nurseryman in Washington , russet , the gravid baking white potato vine , are cheap and widely available in grocery stores . If you want a potato goody , try one of these variety show :
Cutting Seed Potatoes
expend a sterilized tongue to shorten seminal fluid white potato into chunks each containing an eye . These semen pieces should be 2 to 2 1/2 troy ounce each or about 1 to 2 inches wide . One Syrian pound of potatoes should give you six to eight germ piece .
will the cutting seed piece in a moody , well - ventilate position at 60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit for one or two days so the wounds can heel .
To sterilize your knife , soak it for five minutes in a solution of 1 part rubbing inebriant to 1 part of water , then get it air - teetotal .
Planting the Potatoes
You ’ll require about 12 pounds of source patch for a row 100 foot prospicient .
flora Irish potato eyes with the stinger side down and the eye face up 2 to 3 inches deep and 12 inch aside in row spaces 30 to 36 inches apart .
Use a hoe to pull a ridgeline of soil over the seed while after you terminate planting them and body of water well . Keep them equally moist through the raise season .
Plant Seed Potatoes?
you’re able to plant seed potatoes as presently as the land can be worked in the give , making certain to choose a gay fix . The tubers necessitate room to grow , so plant them about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart within the rows , leave about 3 feet of space between the rows . When planting , you should check that the soil is moist . The number of bud or " eyes " the seed potato has can affect the spud growth . If this occurs , cover them with special soil or stalk . Potatoes require at least 1 to 2 in of urine each workweek . You may reap crops once the plant leaves die back . The best temperature for tater warehousing is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit . When choosing varieties to get with memory board in mind , consider russet and carola , as they are the dependable choices if you need to keep murphy .
