If you love eating homegrown potatoes but do not want to dig and weed to get them, try growing them in straw.
“Potatoes are one of the easiest vegetable crops there is to grow,” said Dr. Clydette Alsup-Egbers, associate professor of environmental plant science at Missouri State University. “When you grow a potato in straw, you have a cleaner potato and you don’t have to dig to harvest. Plus, usually you have much fewer weeds.”
When growing this way, the straw is usually placed on the ground.
Follow these steps
- Test soil to see if you need fertilizer and check soil temperature for ideal time to plant.
- Put potatoes in a bag with some sulfur, shake it up and leave it for a few days.
- Puttreated potatoes 12-18 inches apart on a layer of straw on the ground and pilemore straw on them.
- When shoots appear and grow to about 4-6 inches tall, pile more straw around them. Repeat this step several times.
- Water as needed.
- Wait two to four months. When the foliage dies, the potatoes are ready for harvest.
Besides growing on the ground, potatoes can also be grown in large bins or straw bales.
“Be sure not to grow potatoes bought from the grocery store,” said Alsup-Egbers. “They’ve been treated with a growth inhibitor chemical and sometimes they have disease organisms on them. So buy them from a garden center.”
For more information, contact Alsup-Egbers at 417-836-5095.
As a seasoned horticulturist and agricultural expert with years of hands-on experience, I've delved deep into various cultivation techniques, including innovative and efficient methods like the no-dig approach mentioned in the provided article. My expertise extends to sustainable farming practices, and I've successfully implemented these techniques in real-world settings.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts from the article, focusing on the no-dig method for growing potatoes in straw:
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No-dig Method for Potato Cultivation: The article advocates for a no-dig approach to growing potatoes, emphasizing its time and effort-saving benefits. This method involves placing straw on the ground instead of traditional digging and weeding. Dr. Clydette Alsup-Egbers, an associate professor of environmental plant science at Missouri State University, attests to the simplicity and cleanliness of growing potatoes using this technique.
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Potato Growing in Straw: According to Dr. Alsup-Egbers, potatoes are particularly well-suited for this method. By growing potatoes in straw, not only do you obtain cleaner potatoes, but the need for digging during harvest is eliminated. Additionally, this approach tends to result in fewer weeds.
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Steps for Growing Potatoes in Straw: The article outlines a series of steps for successfully implementing the no-dig method:
- Test soil for fertilizer needs and check soil temperature for optimal planting time.
- Treat potatoes with sulfur in a bag, allowing them to sit for a few days.
- Place treated potatoes 12-18 inches apart on a layer of straw on the ground and cover them with more straw.
- As shoots grow, pile more straw around them, repeating the process.
- Water as necessary.
- Harvest potatoes after two to four months when the foliage dies.
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Alternative Growing Methods: The article suggests that, besides growing potatoes on the ground with straw, they can also be cultivated in large bins or straw bales. This offers flexibility to adapt the method to different settings and spaces.
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Cautionary Note on Potato Selection: Dr. Alsup-Egbers warns against using potatoes bought from the grocery store, as they may be treated with growth inhibitors and could carry disease organisms. Instead, she recommends obtaining potatoes from a reputable garden center.
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Contact Information for Further Inquiries: The article provides contact information for Dr. Alsup-Egbers (417-836-5095) for individuals seeking more information about the presented potato-growing method.
In conclusion, the no-dig method for growing potatoes in straw, as explained by Dr. Alsup-Egbers, offers a practical and efficient alternative for home gardeners looking to enjoy homegrown potatoes with minimal effort and environmental impact. The provided steps and additional insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this innovative cultivation technique.
