Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, and they're also good for you.There are many ways to eat potatoes, but they always taste better when you grow them yourself.It's important to grow potatoes in acidic soil, give them lots of sun and water, and grow them in winter in warmer climates because they do best in cool climates.
Step 1: It's a good idea to choose the right time to plant.
Because potatoes are a cool-weather crop, they can be planted in fall and grown over the winter in warm climates.Potato planting should be done two weeks after the last frost in cooler climates.When the soil temperature is 45 F (7 C), potatoes won't grow until the last frost.
Step 2: If you want to plant, choose a sunny location.
Even though potatoes like cooler weather, they still love full sun, and will do best in an area that gets several hours of light each day.You can plant potatoes in the ground or in garden beds.
Step 3: The soil needs to be changed.
The best soil to grow potatoes is loose soil that is slightly acidic.The ideal pH is between 5.0 and 7.0, and you can increase the acidity by tilling aged manure, mature compost, or high-potash fertilization into the soil.The soil should be kept tilled so that it is nice and loose for the potatoes.
Step 4: Your potatoes should be sprouted.
When potatoes are grown from a seed potato, they will grow fast.Two weeks before your planting date, lay out your seed potatoes somewhere that gets plenty of light, and that's between 60 and 70 F.The potatoes should be left in the light to grow.Small but healthy potatoes can be used for seed potatoes.If your seed potato is larger than a chicken egg, you can cut it in half or thirds.There should be at least two eyes.You can grow any variety of potato you want, but make sure you use spray-free potatoes that haven't been treated with a sprout-inhibitor.You will not be able to grow a new plant from this potato.
Step 5: There are straight rows in the soil.
When the potatoes are ready to be planted, use a shovel or spade to dig trenches in the garden bed.The rows should be deep enough to hold the potatoes.The rows should be 3 feet apart.If the soil is good, potatoes can be grown in rows in the ground.
Step 6: The potatoes can be planted.
The seed potatoes should be placed directly into the trenches.The potatoes are 30 cm apart.When you fill the rows with potatoes, cover them with 4 inches of soil.
Step 7: The plants need water to keep the soil moist.
It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, as potatoes like a lot of water.Plants get 2 inches of water each week, especially when they're flowering.The potatoes will be ready to harvest soon if the plants are not watered when the foliage turns yellow.
Step 8: As the plants grow, add more soil around the base.
When the potato plants reach a height of 6 inches (15 cm), add more soil around the base of each plant.Hilling protects the potatoes from sunburn and supports the plants as they grow.When the plants grow another 6 inches, Hill the potatoes again.Potatoes that are exposed to sunlight produce a toxic chemical called solanine, which appears as a green layer on the outside of the tuber.
Step 9: The garden should be weeded regularly.
Potato plants will do better if they don't have to compete with weeds.Pull or dig the weeds out of the garden bed to make sure the potatoes get all the vitamins they need.
Step 10: Purchase disease-resistant varieties.
If you want to reduce the chances of your potatoes suffering from disease, you can purchase a disease-resistant variety.
Step 11: The location of your potatoes should be changed every year.
Wait three years before planting potatoes in a new location.Too much space can be an issue for potatoes, so be sure to give them plenty of room.
Step 12: The soil should be lowered to get rid of the disease.
A common disease is scab.If the pH of the soil is too high, your potatoes may develop scab.Sulfur can be added to the soil to lower its pH.
Step 13: The pests can be removed by hand or with water.
Potato beetles can be picked off by hand.A sharp stream of water can be used to spray off aphids.Natural pesticides, like neem oil, can be found at your local garden shop.
Step 14: After the plants stop flowering, harvest new potatoes.
New potatoes were picked before they were fully developed.Plants will start to flower when they are about 10 weeks old.Wait another two weeks and then harvest your new potatoes by digging them out of the ground.New potatoes have a more tender skin than mature ones.People harvest new potatoes to make room for the rest.
Step 15: Cut away the foliage when it starts to die.
As the potato plants mature, the foliage will begin to yellow and die as they approach the end of their life cycle.Remove brown foliage with garden shears or scissors.Wait another two weeks before harvesting potatoes because the foliage has died.
Step 16: The potatoes need to be removed from the ground.
Once the foliage has died, you can dig out the potatoes.To get to the potatoes, use a spade or small shovel.This will make sure you don't hurt anyone with the spade.Depending on the type of potatoes you planted, your potatoes will be ready for harvest in between 60 and 100 days.
Step 17: Place the potatoes in a dry place.
Transfer the potatoes to a garage, covered porch, or somewhere else that is cool, dry, shaded, and well-ventilated after you dig them up.For at least three days and up to two weeks, leave the potatoes there.This will give the skins time to mature.The temperature for curing potatoes should be between 45 and 60 F.New potatoes should be eaten within a few days of harvest.
Step 18: The cured potatoes have some dirt on them.
When the potatoes are cured, use a vegetable brush or cloth to remove dirt from the skins.Don't wash the potatoes with water as this will cause them to spoil faster.Don't wash a potato until you're ready to eat it.
Step 19: The potatoes should be kept cool, dry, and dark.
Transfer the potatoes to bags for storage after curing and brushing.The potatoes will be protected from light, heat, and humidity if they are moved to a root cellar.Between 35 and 40 F is the ideal temperature for potato storage.The potatoes should last a long time.