At a glimpse
Growing potatoes from seeds is a rewarding and cost - effective way to cultivate thisversatile vegetablein your garden . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a tyro partizan , thiscomprehensive guidewill walk you through the intact process , from seed choice to harvesting your bountiful crop .
1. Choosing the Right Potato Seeds
The first step inplanting potatoesis selecting the right-hand seed . take care for varieties that are worthy for your climate and growing conditions . Research different variety to determine their adulthood dates , disease impedance , and give potency .
2. Preparing the Soil
spud boom in well - drained , loose soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 - 18 inch and adding plenty oforganic matter , such as compost or manure .
3. Timing and Planting
plant life spud seeds indoors 6 - 8 workweek before the last spring frost . Sow theseeds shallowly , about 1/4 inch abstruse , inseed tray filledwith a seed starting mix . Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of lightness .
4. Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedling have develop 2 - 3 sets oftrue leaves , it ’s time to transplant them outdoors . Harden off theseedlings graduallyby break them to outdoor conditions forincreasing periodsof time .
5. Spacing and Depth
distance thepotato seedlings12 - 18 inches aside in course that are 2 - 3 feet apart . Dig hole about 6inches deepand place the seedlings in the hole , hatch the radical with soil .
6. Watering and Fertilizing
Water thepotatoes regularly , especially during live anddry atmospheric condition . Fertilize the plant with abalanced fertilizerevery 4 - 6 week .
7. Hilling and Mulching
As the white potato vine plants grow , hill up the dirt around the stem of the plant to support their stems andencourage genus Tuber yield . Mulch around the plants with shuck or compost toretain moistureand suppress weeds .
8. Disease and Pest Control
Potatoes are susceptible to various disease and pests . Practice craw rotation toreduce disease relative incidence . Monitor the plant for insects and treat them readily with appropriate methods .
9. Harvesting
Potatoes aretypically readyto harvest 90 - 120 solar day after planting . Dig up thepotatoes carefullywith a spade or ramify . Allow the Solanum tuberosum to dry out in a nerveless , sour placefor a few days before storing them .
10. Storing Potatoes
Store potatoes in a cool , coloured , and well - ventilated place . Ideal storage condition are 40 - 45 ° farad and 85 - 90 % humidity .
11. Saving Potato Seeds
If you require tosave potato seedsfor future planting , permit the potatoes tofully matureon the vines . veer the potato in one-half and remove the cum from the snapper . Dry the seeds soundly and stack away them in a cool , dry placeuntil needed .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Iplant potato seeds directlyin the garden?A : Yes , you canplant potato seed directlyin the garden , but startle them indoors gives them ahead startand increases the luck of a successful harvest . Q : How deep should I plant Solanum tuberosum seeds?A : Plant potato seedsabout 1/4inch deepin the soil . Q : How long does it take forpotato seedsto germinate?A : Potato seed typically germinatewithin 7 - 14 twenty-four hour period . Q : How often should I irrigate potato plants?A : Water potato plants regularly , especially during hot anddry conditions . Aim to keep thesoil consistently moistbut not waterlogged . Q : How do I foreclose potato blight?A : Potato blight is a vernacular disease that candecimate Solanum tuberosum crop . Practice crop revolution , fend off overhead watering , and utilise blight - resistant varieties to concentrate the danger of contagion .
