Essential Information
Solanum tuberosum , a various andnourishing vegetable , are a staple in many kitchens worldwide . grow your own Solanum tuberosum at house is a rewarding experience that allows you to love sassy , organic garden truck . Thiscomprehensive guidewill equip you with all the knowledge and techniques you need to successfully embed and cultivate white potato in your backyard or container garden .
Selecting the Right Potato Variety
The first step in planting white potato is choosing the right variety show . Different potato varieties havevarying characteristics , such as size , embodiment , color , maturity meter , and disease resistance . see your climate , grease conditions , andpersonal preferenceswhen making your selection .
Preparing the Soil
Potatoes thrive in well - drained , loose soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . Prepare your soil by tilling it to a profundity of 12 - 18 inches and murder any rocks or debris . Amend the soil with compost or manure toimprove fertilityand drain .
Cutting Seed Potatoes
germ potatoes are small , whole potatoes that are used to propagate unexampled plants . Cutseed potatoesinto patch , each with at least one “ eye ” ( little indenture ) . The optic are where new shoots will emerge . utilize asharp knifeand make clean cuts to avoid damaging the white potato .
Planting the Potatoes
Plant potato pieces 6 - 8 inch aside and 4 - 6inches cryptical . Place the musical composition with theeyes facingup . Cover the white potato with soil and water them well .
Hilling Potatoes
As thepotato plants mature , hill them up bymounding soilaround the radix of the plants . Hilling helps support the plant and prevents the tubers from being exposed to sunshine , which can reverse them green and bitter .
Watering and Fertilizing Potatoes
Water potatoes on a regular basis , especially during spicy , dry weather . Avoid overwatering , as this can conduct to rot . Fertilize the works every few weeks with a balanced plant food .
Harvesting Potatoes
murphy are ready to harvest when the tops of theplants starttodie backand the tubers are firm to the sense of touch . Dig up thepotatoes carefullyusing a garden crotch or shovel . nullify damaging the Tuber .
Storing Potatoes
memory potatoes in a cool , morose , and well - ventilated place . circularise them out in asingle layerto keep bruising . Potatoes can be salt away for several months under these precondition .
Troubleshooting Common Potato Problems
Enhance Your Potato-Growing Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Igrow potatoesin containers?A : Yes , potatoes can be grown in containers . prefer a container that is at least 12inches deepand has drainage holes . Q : How long does it take to grow potatoes?A : The clip it takes togrow potatoes varies dependingon the diverseness . Mostpotatoes maturein 60 - 90 day . Q : How often should I irrigate potato plants?A : piss potato plants deeplyevery 1 - 2 weeks , or more often during blistering , wry weather . Avoid overwatering . Q : Can I eat potato leaves?A : No , potato leavesare not edible and can be toxic to human . Q : How do I prevent potato scab?A : Potato scabis due to a filth - borne bacterium . keep it by maintaining good soil drainage , avoiding overwatering , and using disease - immune potato salmagundi .