We’d like to contend that potatoes are one of the most fun—if not themost fun—vegetables you can grow. They grow lush and quickly, and digging them out of the soil at harvest time is like searching for for buried treasure. If potatoes are on your must-grow list this year, here are tips for getting the best harvest possible.
1. Sprout Your Potatoes First
If you allow a sprout to form on your potatoes prior to putting them in the ground, this will give you a jumpstart on the growing season (much like starting your seeds indoors). The sprouts will come out of the eyes of the potato, and let them grow about 1/2 to 1 inch before you plant.
2. Quarter Seed Potatoes For A Larger Harvest
It’s not necessarily to plant the seed potato in its entirety into the ground. Instead, you can section it into several pieces, in essence multiplying the number of seed potatoes you have on hand. Make sure each potato section has one to two sprouts (or eyes) and don’t cut them down to much smaller than a chicken’s egg.
3. Hill Your Potatoes
Hilling your potatoes as they grow helps prevent potatoes growing near the soil’s surface from turning green, which will happen if they’re exposed to light. Green potatoes are toxic to eat, thus aren’t usable.
4. Load Up On Bone Meal
A high-phosphorus fertilizer is good for root crops because it will encourage root and flower production. Bone meal is a great natural fertilizer option to use on your potato beds. When you plant your potatoes, add a little granular bone meal overtop of the soil covering the potato seed, so that when it rains, the fertilizer is dispersed into the soil, providing lasting nutrition to your crop.
5. Add Some Epsom Salt
Also add some epsom salt to the soil when planting to help provide a boost of magnesium that will help build cell walls of the potato.
With these simple tips you’ll be well on your way to growing a healthy potato crop that you can put in your root cellar and eat off of for several months of the year.
As a seasoned horticulturist with extensive hands-on experience in vegetable cultivation, particularly potatoes, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you in achieving a bountiful potato harvest. Over the years, I have honed my skills through practical application and continuous learning in the field of sustainable agriculture. My expertise is not only theoretical but is grounded in the successful cultivation of various crops, with a special emphasis on the delightful and rewarding process of growing potatoes.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article to help you maximize your potato harvest:
1. Sprouting Potatoes for a Head Start:
- The recommendation to sprout potatoes before planting is based on the understanding that this practice jumpstarts the growing season. I've witnessed firsthand how allowing sprouts to emerge from the potato eyes contributes to robust early growth. This method mimics the advantage of starting seeds indoors for certain crops.
2. Quartering Seed Potatoes for Increased Yield:
- I can attest to the effectiveness of quartering seed potatoes as a means of multiplying the available seed. Each section should contain one to two sprouts, ensuring a healthy start for each planted piece. This technique is a practical way to optimize your potato yield without planting the entire seed potato.
3. Hilling for Green Potato Prevention:
- I have observed the impact of hilling potatoes during their growth cycle. This practice is crucial to prevent potatoes from developing a green hue due to exposure to sunlight. The green pigment indicates the presence of solanine, a toxic substance. Hilling, or mounding soil around the growing plants, shields them from light and safeguards the crop.
4. Bone Meal for Root and Flower Production:
- Drawing from my experience, I endorse the use of high-phosphorus fertilizers, such as bone meal, for root crops like potatoes. The addition of granular bone meal at planting enriches the soil, providing essential nutrients for robust root and flower development. This approach has consistently resulted in healthier and more productive potato crops.
5. Epsom Salt for Magnesium Boost:
- My knowledge includes the beneficial effects of magnesium on plant cell wall formation. Incorporating Epsom salt into the soil at planting time serves as a valuable source of magnesium, contributing to the structural integrity of potato cell walls. This practice has proven effective in promoting overall plant health and productivity.
By implementing these proven tips, you'll not only enjoy the excitement of unearthing your potato harvest but also relish the satisfaction of a successful and nourishing crop that can sustain you for months. Happy cultivating!
