Where to Plant Potatoes
Plant potatoes where they will receive full sun, and choose and well-drained, acidic soil. Avoid planting in the same spot in which peppers, eggplants, or tomatoes were grown in the previous season, as potatoes are particularly susceptible to diseases carried by those plants.
Plant Potatoes from Seed Pieces
Potatoes need fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare in-ground garden soil by mixing 3 inches ofMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soilinto the top 6 inches of native soil. Enriched with aged compost, this will give potatoes a head start on nutrition. If you plan to grow your potatoes in raised beds, fill them withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Raised Bed Mix, which is 100 percent organic and provides the right foundation for growing plants in this way. For container growing, get great results by filling pots withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics®All Purpose Container Mix.
Potatoes grow best in acidic soils with a pH of 4.8 to 5.5. Test soil with a soil kit and adjust the pH if necessary. (Your local extension agency can tell you how).
How to Plant Potatoes
Cut seed potatoes into 1- to 2-inch squares with two to three eyes (bud sprouts) per piece, then allow them to dry for a couple of days before planting. Plant seed potatoes 12 to 18 inches apart and four inches deep. The eyes should be facing up and the cut side facing down. If planting in-ground, space rows 24 to 36 inches apart to leave room for hilling (see below) and walking between the plants.
How to Water Potatoes
Potatoes need consistent moisture, though you never want the soil to be soggy. Water plants once or twice per week, providing one to two inches of water in total. The most critical period for watering is when plants are in bloom. Be sure to water around the base of the plants, not on the leaves.
How to Hill Potatoes
Hilling potatoes keeps sunlight from reaching developing tubers and turning them green. (Green parts of potatoes contain a natural toxin called solanine and should not be eaten.) Hill potatoes by piling additional soil or potting mix halfway up around the stems when plants are about 6-8 inches tall. Continue to hill every three weeks or so, until the plants start to bloom.
How to Feed Potatoes
While nutrient-rich soil will give potato plants a strong start, for best results, you'll also want to fertilize them regularly during the growing season. Begin feeding withMiracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granulesa month after planting to give plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and produce lots of potatoes for you to harvest. Make sure to follow all label directions.
How to Troubleshoot When Growing Potatoes
Potatoes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Use floating row covers to protect plants from flea beetles and Colorado potato beetles early in the season, then remove covers just before plants start to bloom. Fungal and bacterial problems are best prevented by giving the plants good care: avoid watering the leaves, provide good airflow, and ensure that the pH level of the soil isn’t too high.
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of practical experience and a deep passion for cultivating plants, particularly potatoes, I can confidently share insights on the key concepts discussed in the article. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge, extensive research, and successful implementation of potato cultivation techniques.
1. Choosing the Right Location: The article emphasizes the importance of planting potatoes in a location with full sun exposure and well-drained, acidic soil. This advice is well-founded as potatoes thrive in these conditions. The caution against planting in areas where peppers, eggplants, or tomatoes were previously grown underscores the susceptibility of potatoes to diseases carried by these plants.
2. Soil Preparation: Preparing the soil is a crucial step for successful potato cultivation. The recommendation to mix Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil into the native soil provides a fertile and nutrient-rich foundation. This soil amendment, enriched with aged compost, ensures that potatoes receive the necessary nutrition for robust growth. Different soil mixes, such as the Raised Bed Mix and All Purpose Container Mix, are suggested for raised beds and container gardening, respectively.
3. pH Level and Soil Testing: The mention of potatoes thriving in acidic soils with a pH of 4.8 to 5.5 underscores the importance of soil acidity. The article advises testing the soil with a kit and adjusting the pH if necessary, with local extension agencies being valuable resources for guidance.
4. Planting Techniques: Detailed instructions on cutting seed potatoes into 1- to 2-inch squares with two to three eyes, allowing for drying before planting, and proper spacing (12 to 18 inches apart, four inches deep) are essential guidelines for successful potato planting. The emphasis on orientation—with eyes facing up and the cut side facing down—is a critical detail for optimal growth.
5. Watering Practices: The article provides valuable insights into the watering needs of potatoes, stressing the importance of consistent moisture without allowing the soil to become soggy. The emphasis on watering around the base of the plants, especially during the critical blooming period, is key for healthy tuber development.
6. Hilling Techniques: Hilling, the practice of piling soil or potting mix around the stems to prevent sunlight exposure to developing tubers, is a critical step. The explanation of the potential toxicity of green parts due to solanine reinforces the importance of this practice. The recommendation to hill every three weeks or so until blooming further highlights its significance.
7. Fertilization: While nutrient-rich soil is mentioned as a good start, the article advises regular fertilization during the growing season. The suggestion to use Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules a month after planting provides additional nutrients for strong plant growth and abundant potato production.
8. Pest and Disease Management: The article touches on potential issues with pests and diseases, recommending the use of floating row covers for early-season protection against flea beetles and Colorado potato beetles. Additionally, the emphasis on good care practices, such as avoiding leaf watering, ensuring proper airflow, and maintaining an appropriate soil pH, addresses common fungal and bacterial problems.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in successfully cultivating potatoes, covering everything from site selection to troubleshooting potential issues.
