How To Grow Potatoes... From Potatoes

How to Grow Potatoes from Potatoes

Let's talk about one of the most rewarding crops to grow: potatoes. There's an old saying: "The best way to grow potatoes is from potatoes."

Selecting Seed Potatoes

Start with the right seed potatoes. These are specially grown to be disease-free and robust.

Avoid using store-bought potatoes, as they might be treated with growth inhibitors.

I remember one year I used a grocery store spud—nothing sprouted. Lesson learned!

Preparing and Cutting Seed Potatoes

Choose seed potatoes with healthy "eyes" or buds.

Cut larger potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least two eyes.

Let the pieces dry for a day or two to form a callous. This prevents rotting when planted.

Planting Your Potatoes

When to Plant

Plant potatoes in early spring, once the soil has warmed up a bit. Late frosts can kill tender shoots.

Keep an eye on the weather. A sudden cold snap can be disastrous.

How to Plant

Plant in well-drained, loose soil. Dig trenches about 4 inches deep.

Place potato pieces cut side down, spacing them about 12 inches apart.

Cover with soil and water lightly.

Care and Maintenance

Watering and Feeding

Potatoes need consistent moisture. Water deeply once a week, more in hot weather.

I found that mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool. Saves time and water!

Hilling

As plants grow, mound soil around the base to cover the lower stems and leaves. This is called "hilling."

This encourages more tubers to form and prevents greening of exposed potatoes.

This process is crucial—hilled potatoes can yield up to 3 times more than un-hilled ones.

Pest and Disease Control

Beware of potato beetles, aphids, and blight. Rotate crops and use organic insecticides if needed.

Inspect regularly. A small problem can escalate quickly.

Once, I skipped a week of inspection and found a beetle infestation. Never again!

Harvesting Your Potatoes

Potatoes are ready to harvest once the plants yellow and die back, usually about 2-3 months after planting.

Dig carefully with a fork to avoid damaging your tubers.

Let them cure for a couple of days in a cool, dry place. This hardens the skin for better storage.

Storage

Store potatoes in a dark, cool place with good ventilation. Avoid refrigeration.

Check periodically for rot or sprouting. Remove any affected potatoes immediately.

Growing potatoes from potatoes is like baking bread from a family recipe. Once you master the basics, you'll enjoy delicious, homegrown spuds year after year.

So, there you have it—an effortless guide on how to grow potatoes from potatoes. By paying attention to simple details like choosing healthy seed potatoes, cutting them properly, and ensuring well-drained soil, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to keep the soil moist, hill the plants as they grow, and watch for pests. Before you know it, you'll be digging up delicious, homegrown spuds to share with your family. The beauty of gardening lies in these small, rewarding acts of care. So go ahead, plant those potato pieces, and witness the magic of nature unfold right in your own backyard.