all-important Information
Solanum tuberosum , a raw material in countless cuisines worldwide , areremarkably easyto civilize from their own tubers . By following these step - by - tone pedagogy , you ’ll embarkon a rewarding journey to mature your own homegrown tater .
Selecting the Right Potatoes
Choose certified seed spud from a reputable supplier . Avoid potatoes from the grocery store , as they may have been treated with sprout inhibitors . search for disease - complimentary , unfaltering potatoeswith no sign of bruising or decay .
Preparing the Potatoes
curve theseed potatoesinto pieces , each with at least one “ eye ” ( asmall indentwhere a sprout will emerge ) . Theideal sizefor each part is about 2 - 3 inches in diameter .
Soil Preparation
Potatoes thrive in well - run out , liberal soil . Amend the ground with compost or manure to raise richness and drainage . ThepH levelshould be between 6.0 and 6.5 .
Planting
Plant thepotato pieces6 - 8 in deep , with theeyes present upwards . place the slice 12 - 15 inches apart in wrangle that are 3feet broad . Water the soil thoroughly after planting .
Watering
H2O thepotatoes on a regular basis , especially during raging , dry periods . direct to keep the ground moist but not waterlogged . Overwatering can lead to root rot .
Hilling
As thepotato plant arise , hill soilaround the base of the plant to encourage the formation of more genus Tuber . Repeat this summons every few weeks until the plant are about 12 inches tall .
Fertilizing
feed the potatoes with abalanced fertilizer , following the maker ’s command . Avoid using too much atomic number 7 , as this canpromote extravagant vine growthat the expense of tuber production .
Pest and Disease Control
murphy are susceptible to a fewcommon pestsand diseases . praxis crop rotation , inspect plant regularly for signs of trouble , and use organic orchemical control measuresas needed .
Harvesting
potato aretypically readyto harvest time 10 - 12 calendar week after plant . grasp into the soil around the plants andgently removethe tubers . Handle them with care to avoid bruise .
Curing and Storage
After harvest home , cure the tater by storing them in a coolheaded , dismal , and well - ventilated placefor 2 - 3 weeks . This procedure helps the skins to season and meliorate the potatoes’storage life . Store the heal potatoes in a cool , sullen , andhumid environmentfor up to several months .
Wrap-Up: Reap the Rewards of Homegrown Potatoes
farm Solanum tuberosum from white potato vine is a rewarding and satisfying experience . By following these road map , you ’ll be able-bodied to enjoy the taste of fresh , homegrown potatoesall time of year long . So meet your tools , prepare your soil , and ship on a spudtacular adventure !
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q : Can Igrow potatoesin containers?A : Yes , potatoes can be grow incontainers providedthey are prominent enough and have adequate drainage . Q : What is the best prison term to found potatoes?A : Theideal timetoplant potatoesis in the spring , when the soil has warmed to at least 45 arcdegree Fahrenheit . Q : How long do potatoes take to grow?A : Potatoes typicallytake 10 - 12 weeks to get on from planting to reap . Q : What are somecommon potato pestsand diseases?A : Somecommon Solanum tuberosum plague include aphid , Colorado potato beetles , and wireworms . Diseases let in potato blight , scab , and verticillium wilt . Q : Can Isave potatoesfrom my crop to expend asseed potatoesnext year?A : Yes , you cansave potatoesfrom your harvest asseed potatoes , but it is important to pick out disease - free genus Tuber and heal them properly .
