By Benedict Vanheems | 15 March 2023
Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. Whether you’re planting in the ground, in containers, or even in straw, these versatile crops offer satisfying results. The joy of harvesting your own homegrown spuds is a highlight for many gardeners. Here’s how you can ensure a bumper crop of perfect potatoes, every time.
Choosing the Right Type of Potato
Selecting the right potato variety is key to a successful harvest. Start by deciding how you plan to use them. Floury types, like Russets, are ideal for roasting or mashing, while waxy varieties are best for boiling or making potato salad.
Potatoes are categorized into three groups based on their maturity:
- First Earlies: Planted in early spring, these potatoes grow quickly and are ready by early summer.
- Second Earlies: These take a bit longer to mature and are harvested mid-summer.
- Maincrops: Planted in mid-spring, they require the longest growing time but are great for storage through the winter.
Chitting Potatoes
Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting. This helps speed up their growth. Lay your seed potatoes in a bright, frost-free spot and allow them to sprout. Place the potatoes with the “eyes” (small dimples) facing upward. If you have limited space, egg cartons work great for supporting them. Chitting isn’t mandatory, but it can give your potatoes a head start.
You can also cut large seed potatoes into pieces, ensuring each section has at least one eye. Let the cut pieces dry for a day or two before planting to avoid rot.
Planting Potatoes
Potatoes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, spread compost across the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content. For raised beds, which are warmer and drain better, you can plant earlier in the season.
To plant, dig a hole for each seed potato. Add a bit of slow-release fertilizer, such as chicken manure pellets, for an extra nutrient boost. Place the potato in the hole with the sprouting end facing up, then cover it with 6 inches of soil. Space first earlies about 16 inches apart, and maincrops around 18 inches apart to allow enough room for growth.
Another method is to plant in V-shaped trenches, 2-2.5 feet apart. Lay compost and organic fertilizer in the bottom before placing the potatoes about 12 inches apart.
Growing and Caring for Potatoes
Potatoes are relatively easy to grow, but they do need consistent care. Watering is crucial, especially when the tubers are developing. Dry conditions can stunt growth, so make sure to water thoroughly during dry spells.
As your potato plants grow, “hill” them by mounding soil around the base of the stems. This encourages more tuber growth and reduces the risk of potatoes turning green by exposure to light.
Late frosts can damage potato foliage. If frost is forecast, cover your plants with row covers or pots to protect them.
Growing Potatoes in Containers
For those with limited garden space, potatoes can be successfully grown in large containers like pots or purpose-made sacks. Start by placing 4 inches of potting mix in the bottom, then add one or two seed potatoes. As the plants grow, keep adding soil to “hill” them up, eventually filling the container. This method works well for earlier harvests if kept in a sheltered, sunny spot.
Dealing with Potato Diseases
Two common diseases to watch out for are potato scab and blight.
- Scab causes rough patches on the skin but doesn’t affect the taste. Prevent it by maintaining consistent moisture and adding compost to improve soil water retention. Choose scab-resistant varieties when possible.
- Blight, a fungal disease, appears as dark patches on the leaves and can rapidly destroy your crop. Although there are a few resistant varieties, it’s usually a risk for later-season potatoes. If you spot blight, act quickly by removing infected foliage and harvesting early.
Harvesting Potatoes
Harvesting at the right time ensures the best quality potatoes. For first earlies, dig up your potatoes once the plants begin to flower. The tubers should be the size of a hen’s egg or larger. Use a fork to carefully loosen the soil around the plants, being careful not to damage the potatoes.
Maincrop potatoes should be harvested when the foliage dies back at the end of the growing season. It’s best to cut back the foliage on a dry day, allowing the tubers to dry for a few hours before storage.
Storing Your Potatoes
After harvesting, store your potatoes in a cool, dark, frost-free place in breathable sacks or cardboard boxes. Ensure they are free of bruises or disease before storing to prevent spoilage. Check them periodically and remove any that show signs of rot.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting the perfect potatoes, season after season.