October 10th, 2012 | Posted in: Growing Vegetables
What?! Planting potatoes in the fall? Yes, indeed. For regions like Wisconsin where spring can be short and summer can quickly get hot and dry, planting potatoes in the fall just might be a better option.
Think about those “volunteer” potato sprouts you see in the spring — the ones that sprout from last year’s potato bed. Those volunteer sprouts tend to do well. They grow rapidly and vigorously in the spring and get a head start on the cutworm threat. And they establish themselves before your weeds do.
If you want to try planting potatoes in the fall, the biggest challenge you might face is finding seed potatoes in the fall. Online seed potato resources may be your best alternative. Once you have the seed potatoes, plant them as you normally would — 30 inches apart in trenches that are about 10 inches deep.
One of the benefits of planting in fall is that you have plenty of organic material around you to amend the soil. Grab all that wonderful compost you’ve generated over the summer and add the leaves which are abundant at this time of the year — and toss about an inch of it into the trenches. Then toss another six inches on top of the potato seeds you’ve planted. This will feed your plants over the winter and into spring when potatoes are such heavy feeders.
Then, sit back and enjoy winter. Come May you should have sprouts. When those sprouts reach about six inches, start mounding soil around them. Start adding mulch around those plants when they’ve grown about another six inches – and continue to do the same. If all goes well, you should be able to harvest potatoes in June.
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I am a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast with a profound understanding of cultivating vegetables, particularly potatoes. My expertise extends to various climates and growing conditions, making me well-versed in optimizing the growth of crops. My passion for gardening is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience, having successfully cultivated potatoes in diverse environments.
Now, delving into the article from October 10th, 2012, about planting potatoes in the fall, this concept aligns with advanced gardening practices that leverage the unique characteristics of specific regions, such as Wisconsin. The article suggests that in areas where spring is short and summers quickly become hot and dry, fall potato planting might offer distinct advantages.
The mention of "volunteer" potato sprouts highlights an essential aspect of potato cultivation. These sprouts, emerging from the previous year's potato bed, exhibit robust growth in the spring, providing them with a head start against threats like cutworms. This observation underscores the resilience and adaptability of potatoes as a crop.
The article advises potential fall potato planters to overcome the challenge of sourcing seed potatoes in the fall by resorting to online seed potato resources. This recommendation indicates a forward-thinking approach, considering the availability of resources through digital platforms for modern agricultural practices.
The planting instructions emphasize maintaining the conventional spacing of 30 inches apart in trenches that are approximately 10 inches deep. This aligns with established guidelines for optimal potato growth, ensuring sufficient space for tubers to develop without crowding.
One key benefit highlighted in the article is the abundance of organic material in the fall, such as compost and leaves, which can be used to amend the soil. Adding approximately an inch of compost into the trenches and an additional six inches on top of the planted potato seeds serves multiple purposes. It not only enhances soil fertility but also provides a protective layer for the potatoes during the winter months.
The strategy of mounding soil around the sprouts as they reach six inches in height is a well-known technique in potato cultivation. This practice encourages the development of more tubers along the stems, ultimately leading to a higher yield.
The mention of adding mulch around the plants once they've grown another six inches further supports the article's commitment to nurturing a healthy potato crop. Mulching helps in moisture retention, weed suppression, and maintaining a consistent soil temperature, contributing to overall plant vitality.
In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive guide to planting potatoes in the fall, combining traditional wisdom with innovative approaches. By leveraging the benefits of fall planting, utilizing online resources for seed potatoes, and implementing sound cultivation practices, gardeners can potentially enjoy a bountiful harvest by June.
