Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Planting Potatoes
- Cut seed potatoes into 2-inch pieces with at least one "eye" per piece, then let them cure for 1-2 days until they callus.
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil; mix in compost and potting soil to enrich the area.
- Plant potato pieces 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart, with rows spaced 2-3 feet apart; water thoroughly.
Care and Maintenance
- Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during flowering, but avoid overwatering.
- Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, following package instructions.
- When plants are 6-8 inches tall, mound soil around them to cover leaves, repeating as they grow to encourage more potatoes.
Harvesting and Storage
- Harvest "new" potatoes after 7-8 weeks by gently digging at the base, or wait 10-12 weeks for mature potatoes when the foliage dies back.
- Cure mature potatoes in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks, then store in burlap sacks or ventilated containers.
- Store in a cool, dark, humid place, avoiding refrigeration which can turn starch to sugar, to keep them fresh for several months.
Notes
For best results, use organic seed potatoes to avoid diseases and chemicals. Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil depletion. Consider companion planting with beans or peas to naturally enrich the soil.