lanting and Growing Guide for Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Description
Potatoes are generally grown from Seed Potatoes which are available form local suppliers. These are preferred as they are certified to be free of viruses and other diseases. Certified seed potatoes are likely to reliably produce a good crop of home grown potatoes. Potatoes require a cool but frost-free growing season of 75 to 135 or more days. Before planting expose the seed potatoes to light, but not direct sunlight, to start shoots growing, if they don't already have shoots. The shoots need to be 1-3 cm (1/2 to 1 inch) long before planting. Large seed tubers can be cut into pieces, provided each piece has a shoot.
Potatoes are heavy feeders that require rich soils. Prepare the soil beforehand by digging large amounts of aged compost or well-rotted animal manure. Leave for a couple of weeks. When ready to plant the potatoes dig a trench for the seed potatoes about 30-40 cm (12 -15 inches) wide and about 25 cm (1 inch) deep. Add a more compost and manure to the bottom of the trench and cover over with some soil. Place the seed potatoes along the trench about 20-30 cm 9-12 inches apart with the shoot facing up. Back-fill the trench to just cover the top of the potatoes. As the shoots start to appear add more soil around them. Do this several times to develop a loose mound of soil in which the potatoes can grow. The shoots will then develop leaves. Cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Keep the potatoes well-watered, especially in warm weather. No-dig potato growing is ideal for home gardeners. You can use this method to start a new vegetable garden in an areas of lawn.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Plant seeds potatoes directly into the garden about 3-5 cm (1-2 inches) deep. Pile up soil around the shoots as the shoots grow to form a mound over several weeks
Space between plants: Space plants about 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) apart. Space rows about 60 cm (24 inches) apart
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 15-20 weeks
Hints:
- Prepare the planting area well in advance by digging in aged compost or well-rotted animal manure to the soil .
- Potatoes prefer a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acid pH (5.8 to 7.0)
- Grows best in full sun in warm and humid conditions with a heavy covering of mulch
- Potatoes are frost tender. So plant seed potatoes in the garden after the last frost
- Regular and deep watering is required, especially in hot weather. Water the base of the leaves rather than the tops to discourage powdery mildew
- Water plants more frequently in summer and add a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds
- Potatoes are more productive when they are grown quickly an steadily. So avoid drying them out to prevent growth checks.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!