Mumbai: Potatoes are versatile plants that can be grown in various ways. They are remarkably easy to grow, and one seed potato can yield many potatoes for harvest.
If you’ve been contemplating growing your potatoes, now is the perfect time to start. Before you begin, it’s essential to choose the right planting method for your space.
Whether you enjoy making potato recipes or simply want the satisfaction of home-grown produce, growing your potatoes is worth it – especially since it’s so straightforward!
Potatoes can be grown in various settings, from small urban backyards to expansive country gardens, and even in containers or bags on a balcony or small deck. Curious about how to grow potatoes? Read on for simple steps and tips on how to harvest them.
Steps for growing potatoes
Prepare a bed with well-drained soil in full sun.
Space seed potatoes 12 inches apart and plant them 2-3 inches deep.
When the plants reach 6-8 inches tall, hill them by mounding soil around the base to protect them from sunlight, which can turn them green and bitter.
Harvest when plants have died and tubers are fully grown, about 3-4 months after planting. Carefully dig up tubers with a gardening fork and store them in a cool, dark place.
Tips for growing potatoes at home
To grow potatoes, you need full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic). If using containers, ensure they are at least 12 inches deep and water more frequently than if planting in the ground.
You can plant potato or sweet potato seeds whole or cut them into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least two eyes.
Ensure well-drained soil rich in organic matter and regularly loosen the soil to prevent compaction and encourage root growth.
Use high-quality plant fertilizer to nourish the soil.
Maintain even soil moisture throughout the growing season, as both excessive and insufficient water can cause issues like poor yields, insect infestations, and diseases.
Storage of potatoes
When storing potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark place like a cellar or a paper bag in the fridge. Avoid storing them next to other fruits and vegetables due to ethylene gas emission, which causes quick spoilage. Store potatoes in a single layer to prevent them from touching and check regularly.
Growing potatoes is a rewarding task, but it requires proper planting, care, and storage to ensure a bountiful and long-lasting harvest.
Growing potatoes at home is a rewarding endeavour. From selecting the right seed potatoes to choosing the best planting method for your space, this guide covers everything you need to know. Whether you have a small urban balcony or a large garden, learn how to successfully grow and harvest your own potatoes with ease. Home & Garden Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
