Key points
potato , a staple food worldwide , are renowned for their versatility and nutritionary value . Growing your own potatoes can be a rewarding experience , and one of the most crucial steps is knowing how to institute white potato with eyes . This comprehensive guide willprovide detailed instructionsandhelpful tipsto ensure a flourishing potato harvest .
Understanding Potato Eyes
The “ eyes ” on potatoes aresmall indentationsthat arrest tiny buds or sprouts . These spud willeventually developinto newpotato flora . When planting potatoes , it is essential to use potatoes with healthy , embonpoint eyes that are barren from any blemish or disease .
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Selecting the right type of spud for planting is essential . search for disease - resistant variety that are suitable for your clime andsoil conditions . Consider thedesired sizing , shape , and smack of the tater you desire to grow .
Preparing the Soil
Potatoes thrive in well - drained , escaped soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . set up the dirt by tilling it to a depth of at least 12 inches and removing any rock music or debris . better the soil with compost or manure toimprove fertilityand drain .
Cutting the Potatoes
If usinglarge potatoes , cut them intosmaller part , each containing at least two or three eye . verify the cuts are clean andavoid damagingthe sprout .
Planting the Potatoes
1 . Dig Holes : Dig holesin theprepared grease , approximately 6 - 8 inches deep and 12 - 18 inches apart . The distance between rows should be about 3 feet.2 . Place the Potatoes : Place thecut murphy piecesin the hole with the eyes facing upwards.3 . Cover with Soil : take the holes with soil , gently pattingit down to tauten the potatoes in place.4 . Mulch : Spread a bed of mulch , such as straw or compost , around the potatoes toretain moistureand suppress weeds .
Watering
tater require even lachrymation , especially during hot , dry periods . Water deeply and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . Avoid overwatering , as it can go to disease .
Fertilizing
Hilling
Hilling is the outgrowth ofmounding soilaround the base of thepotato flora . This assist to support the industrial plant , prevent tubersfrom being discover to sunshine , and encourage genus Tuber ontogeny . Hill the tater when they are about 6 inches tall .
Harvesting
tater plants take approximately 90 - 120 days to grow . The leaves willturn yellowanddie backwhen the tater are quick for harvest . practice a potato forking or spade to cautiously labour up the white potato , avoiding any damage to the tubers .
Storing Potatoes
stock potatoes in a cool , sinister , and well - ventilate place . Ideal storage conditions are between 35 - 40 ° F ( 2 - 4 ° C ) with a humidness of 85 - 90 % .
Tips for Success
Answers to Your Questions
1. How deep should I plant potato eyes?
Plant potato eyes approximately 6 - 8inches deepin the territory .
2. How far apart should potato eyes be planted?
plant life potato eyeball 12 - 18 inch apart within dustup and 3 feet apart between rows .
3. Do I need to soak potato eyes before planting?
hock potato heart before planting is not necessary . However , it can help to hasten up sprouting .
4. How often should I water potato plants?
weewee potato plants deeply and infrequently , allowing the grunge to dry out somewhat between waterings .
5. When should I fertilize potato plants?
Fertilize Solanum tuberosum establish every few week with a balanced fertiliser .