How to sow potatoes

6. Irrigation

Irrigate the soil immediately after planting, in order to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Continue to irrigate regularly during the potato growing season.

7. Weed control

Regularly check the soil for any weeds that may compete with potato plants for water and nutrients, and remove them as necessary.

• Summary:
• Choose a sunny, well-drained location;
• Remove all weeds from the soil;
• Add organic fertilizer to the soil;
• Create deep furrows about 10 cm apart;
• Place potatoes in the furrows about 30 cm apart;
• Cover potatoes with a layer of soil about 5 cm thick;
• Irrigate the soil immediately after planting;
• Regularly check the soil for any weeds.

Choosing and preparing potatoes for planting

The choice of potatoes for planting is an important step in ensuring a good yield. It is essential to choose healthy potatoes, free of diseases and sprouts.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potatoes for planting should be firm to the touch, without soft spots or bruises. In addition, they should not have long and thick sprouts, as this may indicate that the potato is old or poorly stored.

In general, potatoes with yellow or red flesh are more suitable for planting, as they have greater resistance to diseases and pests.

Preparing potatoes for planting

After choosing the right potatoes, it is necessary to prepare them before planting. First of all, they must be cut into pieces of similar size, each with at least one eye (i.e. a sprout).

It is important to let the pieces rest for a few days before planting, so that they dry out and form a protective film on the surface. This will help prevent fungal diseases during cultivation.

Before planting, it is also possible to treat potatoes with natural products for disease prevention, such as copper sulfate or neem oil.

• Cut potatoes into pieces of similar size with at least one eye each
• Let the pieces rest for a few days before planting
• Treat potatoes with natural products for disease prevention

By following these simple steps, it will be possible to prepare potatoes optimally for planting and ensure a good yield.

Potato planting techniques

There are several potato planting techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common:

Trench planting

Trench planting is a traditional technique that involves creating a trench along the ground, where potatoes are placed at regular intervals. They are then covered with soil and irrigated.

Advantages: this technique allows for good soil drainage and facilitates irrigation.

Disadvantages: it requires a lot of manual labor to create the trench and position the potatoes.

Broadcasting

Broadcasting involves placing potatoes on the surface of the soil without following a precise pattern. They are then covered with soil and irrigated.

Advantages: it is a quick and inexpensive technique.

Disadvantages: it can be difficult to maintain adequate spacing between potatoes, risking the appearance of diseases or pests.

Hilling

Hilling involves creating rows on the soil where potatoes are placed at regular intervals. They are then covered with soil and irrigated.

Advantages: this technique allows for good spacing between potatoes and facilitates harvesting.

Disadvantages: it requires a lot of manual labor to create the rows and position the potatoes.

Potato Tower

The potato tower technique involves using a container or planter where potatoes are placed. Soil is added until the potatoes are completely covered. With this technique, it is possible to grow potatoes even on a balcony or terrace.

Advantages: this technique is ideal for those who have limited space available.

Disadvantages: it can be difficult to maintain the right level of moisture in the container, risking the appearance of diseases or pests.

• Regardless of the chosen technique, it is important that potatoes are positioned with the sprout facing upwards.
• In addition, it is advisable to use certified potatoes and not those purchased at the supermarket, which may have been treated with chemicals to prevent germination.

Caring for potato plants during growth

After planting potatoes, it is important to take care of the plants during their growth in order to obtain a good yield. Here are some useful tips:

Irrigation

Potatoes require constant water to grow well. During periods of drought, make sure the soil remains moist. However, avoid watering too often, as excess water can cause root rot.

Fertilization

Potatoes are hungry plants and require an adequate amount of fertilizers to produce large and tasty tubers. You can use organic fertilizers such as manure or compost, or commercial fertilizers specifically for potatoes.

Hilling

Keeping the soil around the plants free from weeds is essential to ensure good growth of potatoes. Hilling should be done regularly until the plants are developed enough to completely cover the soil.

Disease protection

Potatoes are subject to some common diseases such as leaf rust and collar rot. To prevent these diseases, you can apply natural fungicides such as neem oil or baking soda solution.

Harvesting

Potatoes are ready for harvesting when the leaves begin to yellow and wither. Gently dig the soil around the plants with a garden fork to avoid damaging the tubers. Leave the potatoes to dry in the sun for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place.

• Make sure the soil remains moist during periods of drought
• Fertilize the plants regularly to obtain large and tasty tubers
• Keep the soil free from weeds by hoeing
• Apply natural fungicides to prevent common diseases such as leaf rust
• Harvest potatoes when the leaves begin to yellow and wither

In summary, taking care of potato plants during their growth is essential to obtain a good yield. Remember to water regularly, fertilize adequately, keep the soil free from weeds, protect from diseases and harvest at the right time. By following these tips, you can ensure good growth of your potato plants and obtain a rich harvest of tasty tubers!