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Ever wanted to grow your own potatoes?
It’s easier than you think!
With just a few simple tactics, you can turn store-bought potatoes into a hearty garden harvest.
Excited to get started?
Let’s dig into these 7 easy tactics!
Choose the Right Potatoes
First things first, pick the potatoes you’ll be growing. Not all potatoes are created equal, so aim for certified seed potatoes from your local garden center.
These little spuds are typically disease-free, ensuring a healthier crop. You could also use those sprouted potatoes from your pantry—just make sure they’re not too moldy or wrinkly.
Cut and Cure
Got your seed potatoes? Awesome!
Now, cut them into chunks, each with at least one or two eyes (those little sprouts). Let these pieces sit out for a couple of days.
This gives them time to cure and form a callous over the cut surface, making them less likely to rot when planted.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Time to think about where to plant! Potatoes love full sun, at least six hours a day.
Before planting, make sure to loosen up the soil. They’ll appreciate soil that’s rich and well-draining.
If your soil isn’t up to par, no worries—mix in some compost or gardening soil for a nutrient boost.
Plant Your Spuds
Dig holes or trenches about 4 inches deep and space them about 12 inches apart. Place your cured potato pieces cut-side down and cover them with soil.
If you’ve got a smaller garden or are working with containers, grow bags are a fantastic option. Just fill them with soil, plant your potatoes, and you’re good to go.
Water and Wait
Potatoes need consistent moisture but don’t want to drown. Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
If you’re growing in containers, they might dry out quicker, so keep an eye on them. This is also a good time to add mulch around your plants to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Hill Your Potatoes
As your potato plants grow, mound up some soil around the stems. This is called “hilling” and helps protect the growing tubers from sunlight (which can turn them green and toxic).
Keep an eye on your plants and hill them every couple of weeks. This also helps to encourage more potatoes to form.
Harvest Time
Patience pays off! When the foliage starts to die back, it’s time to harvest.
Carefully dig around your plants and pull up those tasty tubers. Let them sit in the sun to air dry for a bit.
Then, brush off excess dirt and store them in a cool, dark place. Enjoy the fruits (well, roots) of your labor!