Highlights
Cultivating Irish potato is arewarding endeavorthat provides delicious and nutritive harvests . Whether you ’re a veteran gardener or a tyro , thiscomprehensive guidewill empower you with the knowledge and techniques to grow thriving potato plant .
Site Selection
white potato prefer well - drain soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . take a site thatreceives sizeable sunlightfor most of the daylight .
Soil Preparation
set up the soil by till it to a profundity of 12 - 18 inches . repair the soil withorganic mattersuch as compost or manure toimprove drainageand birthrate .
Planting
Usecertified seminal fluid potatoesthat are free of disease . Cut seed potatoes into 1.5 - 2 inch piece , ensure each piece has at least one “ middle . ” Plant the patch 4 - 6inches deepand 12 - 18 column inch apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart .
Watering
Potatoes require consistent moisture , especially during tuber geological formation . water supply deeply and on a regular basis , peculiarly during hot anddry weather . Avoid overwatering , as it can lead to root rot .
Fertilizing
Fertilize potatoes every 4 - 6 hebdomad with a balanced fertilizer . apply a fertilizer with ahigher N contentduring the early growth leg and ahigher potassium contentduring genus Tuber geological formation .
Hilling
Hilling is the process ofcreating moundsof ground around thepotato plants . This helps to protect the evolve tubers from sunshine , which can turn them green and biting . Hill the plants as they produce , tot up soilto the base of the plant until they reach a height of 6 - 8 inches .
Pest and Disease Control
Potatoes can be susceptible to various pests and diseases . Regularly inspect your plant for signaling of infestation or contagion . expend organic orchemical treatmentsas necessary tocontrol pestsand diseases .
Harvesting
Solanum tuberosum aretypically readyto harvest 70 - 90 day after planting . When the foliage begin to yellow anddie back , gently dig up the genus Tuber using a garden fork or tater power shovel .
Curing and Storage
After harvesting , cure the Solanum tuberosum by placing them in a coolheaded , dark , andhumid environmentfor 10 - 14 day . Thisprocess helpsto inspissate the peel andimprove storage life . memory cured potatoes in a cool , dark , and well - air field .
Tips for Success
Key Points: Potato Perfection
mature potatoes is a rewarding experience that yields toothsome and versatile harvest . By following these comprehensive guidelines , you may cultivate thriving potato plants and enjoy abountiful harvestof this nutrient and various vegetable .
Popular Questions
Q : How often should I water my potato plants?A : pee deeplyand on a regular basis , especially during hot anddry atmospheric condition . drive for just about 1 column inch of water per week . Q : When should I fertilize my potato plants?A : Fertilize every 4 - 6 hebdomad with abalanced plant food . Use ahigher N contentduring theearly growth stageand a higher potassium content during tuber formation . Q : How can I prevent potato blight?A : Choose blight - repellent varieties , practice crop rotation , andavoid overhead watering . Use fungicides if necessary . Q : How long does it take for potatoes to grow?A : white potato typicallytake 70 - 90 days from plant to reap . Q : How should I hive away potatoes?A : Store cure potatoesin a nerveless , sorry , and well - ventilate sphere . Optimal storage temperature is between 38 - 40 ° F ( 3 - 4 ° C ) with 85 - 90 % humidity .