Spring is the perfect time to get started growing potatoes. Whether you have a large garden or just space for a few containers, potatoes are surprisingly easy to grow.
1. Choosing Seed Potatoes
It is best to buy seed potatoes from a garden centre. Most have them available, including the budget stores, or you can order online. Avoid potatoes from the supermarket. They may have been treated to prevent sprouting. Choose varieties that match your cooking preference; some are best for baking, while others excel in salads or make great chips.
2. Planting
Plant your seed potatoes in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Use compost, manure or a natural fertiliser to improve the soil before you plant your potatoes.
Planting directly in the ground
Plant them about 15cm/6 inches deep and 40cm/15 inches apart in rows. The easiest way is to dig individual holes and place your seed potato in the hole with any sprouts at the top, then cover with soil.
Planting into containers or bags
Potatoes need large containers. You can buy potato bags that are the perfect size or alternatively use a large shopping bag but remember to put some holes in the base for drainage. Half fill with compost and place the potato just below the surface. One potato per bag gives a good crop but if you’re container is big you can try up to 3 potatoes.
Greenhouse planting is also an option for a quicker crop or to start off your bags early when it’s still to cold outside. Early potatoes work best in the greenhouse as they will be ready to harvest by the time your tomatoes are needing more space.
3. Watering and Care
As the potato plants grow, mound soil around the stems to cover the lower leaves. This encourages the development of more tubers and prevents them from turning green. Repeat this every few weeks until the plants flower. In bags, add compost to partly cover the leaves and do this over a few weeks until your bag is full.
Keep potato plants well watered to ensure a good crop. Check the soil or compost regularly. The leaves of the plant can prevent rainwater reaching the ground, so you may need to water them even during wet weather. Potatoes in bags or in the greenhouse need regular and generous watering throughout the growing season.
Always water directly to the compost and avoid spraying water on the leaves as they can burn in strong sunshine. Another tip is to use grass cuttings as a mulch, this can stop weeds growing, keep moisture in and provide some nutrients.
Feeding your potatoes with a natural fertiliser will help give you a better crop. Seaweed based potato feeds are available or you could make your own using some nettles soaked in water.
4. Harvesting
Harvest potatoes when the plants begin to yellow and die back, usually about two to three weeks after flowering. Gently dig around the plants to avoid damaging the tubers, and collect them by hand. If you have grown early potatoes they will be ready around July and maincrops are ready from August to October. You should eat early potatoes straight away but you can store maincrops in a cool place for later use
Growing potatoes is a rewarding experience that can yield a bountiful harvest with just a little effort and patience. Growing at home also allows you to try tasty varieties that may not be available in the shops, so give them a try.
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