Growing potatoes is a simple and rewarding gardening activity. You can successfully cultivate potatoes by planting seed potatoes at the right depth and spacing in nutrient-rich soil. Basic care, such as protecting them from wildlife, is mostly what's needed. Once the foliage reaches a certain height, you can expect a bountiful harvest, typically between July and August if planted in March or April.
What Equipment Do You Need to Grow Potatoes?
To grow potatoes, you will need the following equipment:
- Seed Potatoes: Choose high-quality seed potatoes from a reliable source.
- Garden Spade or Fork: For preparing the soil and planting.
- Hoe or Cultivator: Useful for maintaining soil conditions around the plants.
- Watering Can or Hose: Ensures consistent moisture level.
- Garden Netting or Fencing: To protect your plants from animals.
- Mulch: Helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.
How to Plant Potatoes
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny spot and loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients.
- Cut and Cure Seed Potatoes: If large, cut the seed potatoes into smaller pieces with several eyes each. Let them cure for a couple of days to form a protective skin.
- Planting: Plant the seed potatoes about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart, in rows spaced about 3 feet apart.
- Covering: Cover with soil and water well.
Watering and Caring for Your Potatoes
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during the growth of tubers.
- Hilling: Pile soil around the stems as they grow to prevent sunlight from reaching the tubers.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
When to Harvest Potatoes
You can harvest your potatoes once the foliage has died back, usually 2-3 weeks after the plants have finished flowering. This allows the skin of the potatoes to toughen up, making them easier to store.
Garden Tools from by Benson for Growing Potatoes
Enhance your potato-growing experience with tools from by Benson.
