What To Know
- With a few basic steps and a little patience, you can transform those sprouted potatoes into a thriving potato patch in your garden.
- Cure the potatoes in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks before storing them.
- Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing potatoes from sprouts is a rewarding experience that will provide you with delicious, homegrown vegetables.
Planting sprouted potatoes is a simple yet effective way to grow your own nutritious vegetables. With a few basic steps and a little patience, you can transform those sprouted potatoes into a thriving potato patch in your garden.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to sprouting. Choose potatoes that are firm, blemish-free, and have healthy, strong sprouts. Avoid potatoes with soft spots, wrinkles, or signs of decay.
Preparing the Potatoes
Before planting, prepare the sprouted potatoes by gently removing any damaged or weak sprouts. Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one healthy sprout.
Selecting the Right Soil
Potatoes thrive in well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Preparing the Planting Site
Choose a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dig trenches about 6 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Space the potato pieces 12-18 inches apart within the trenches.
Planting the Potatoes
Place the potato pieces in the trenches, sprout-side up. Cover them with soil, leaving about 2 inches of the sprout exposed. Water the potatoes deeply after planting.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water the potatoes regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Hilling Up
As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around the base of the stems. This process, known as hilling up, encourages the potatoes to form more tubers.
Harvesting
Harvest potatoes when the foliage turns yellow and dies back. Dig carefully around the plants to avoid damaging the tubers. Cure the potatoes in a cool, dark place for two to three weeks before storing them.
Takeaways: Reap the Rewards of Sprouted Potato Planting
By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant sprouted potatoes and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing potatoes from sprouts is a rewarding experience that will provide you with delicious, homegrown vegetables.
Questions You May Have
Q: How long do potatoes take to sprout?
A: Potatoes typically sprout within 2-4 weeks after storage.
Q: Can I plant a potato with multiple sprouts?
A: Yes, you can plant a potato with multiple sprouts. However, remove any damaged or weak sprouts before planting.
Q: How deep should I plant potato pieces?
A: Plant potato pieces about 6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart.
Q: How often should I water potatoes?
A: Water potatoes regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply to ensure the soil is moist at least 6 inches deep.
Q: What is hilling up and why is it important?
A: Hilling up is the process of mounding soil around the base of potato stems. It encourages the plants to form more tubers and protects them from sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and bitter.
