Growing potatoes can be tricky.
There’s one big mistake almost everyone makes. But don’t worry, it’s easy to fix! In this article, you’ll learn what to avoid for a healthy potato crop.
Ready to grow the best potatoes ever? Let’s get started!
Planting Them Too Early
One common mistake is putting potatoes into the soil too soon. Potatoes are a bit picky about temperature.
If it’s still too cold out, they might just sit there and rot or get hit by frost. Aim to plant them a couple of weeks before the last frost date in your area.
If the ground is still too chilly, give it a bit of time to warm up. A little patience goes a long way!
Ignoring Soil Quality
Potatoes aren’t huge divas, but they do appreciate good soil. Make sure your soil is loose, well-drained, and full of organic matter.
Heavy, compact soil can cause the tubers to grow irregularly or even rot. Before planting, consider adding compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
Your potatoes will thank you with a bountiful harvest.
Planting Potatoes Whole
Another common misstep is planting whole potatoes. It’s usually better to cut them into smaller pieces with at least one or two eyes on each piece.
Let the cut pieces sit out for a day or two before planting to allow the cut surfaces to callous over. This helps prevent rot and gives each piece a better chance to sprout.
Skipping the Hilling Process
Hilling, or mounding soil up around the stems, is crucial for potato health. As your potato plants grow, create small hills around the base of each plant.
This prevents sunlight from hitting the tubers, which can turn them green and toxic. Hilling also encourages the plant to produce more tubers.
So, don’t skip this step; it’s worth the extra effort.
Over or Under Watering
Getting the watering right can be tricky. Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when they’re forming tubers.
Too much water can lead to rot, while too little can cause your plants to be stunted. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
Check the soil regularly and water when it’s dry about an inch below the surface.
Not Controlling Pests
Pests can be a big problem for potato plants. Potato beetles, aphids, and wireworms can wreak havoc on your crop.
Regularly check your plants for signs of pests and take action if you find any. Hand-picking bugs, using insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help keep your plants safe.
Harvest Timing
Finally, knowing when to harvest is key. If you dig up your potatoes too early, they may be small and underdeveloped.
Wait until the foliage starts to yellow and die back—this is a sign that the plants are putting all their energy into the tubers. Use a fork to gently lift the plants from the soil, and you’ll be rewarded with a great harvest.
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