Can I Plant Potatoes from the Store?

Many people wonder if they can plant potatoes from the store. The answer is, yes, you can! However, there are a few things you need to know before you start planting.

Choose the Right Potato

The first thing you need to do is choose the right potato. Look for potatoes that are free of blemishes, cuts, and bruises. These imperfections could indicate that the potato is diseased or infected with a fungus. You also want to choose a potato that is sprouting eyes. These eyes will grow into the potato plant, so the more eyes, the better.

Prepare the Potato for Planting

Before you plant your potato, you need to prepare it. Cut the potato into pieces that have at least one or two sprouting eyes each. Let the pieces dry in a cool, dry place for a few days. This will help prevent the pieces from rotting when you plant them.

Plant the Potato

When you are ready to plant, choose a sunny spot in your garden. Dig a trench that is about 6 inches deep. Place the potato pieces into the trench, with the sprouting eyes facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil, but do not pack it down too tightly. Water the soil and keep it moist, but do not over-water.

Care for Your Potato Plant

Once your potato plants start growing, you need to care for them. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. As the plants grow, mound soil around the stems to keep the developing potatoes covered. This will prevent them from turning green and becoming bitter. You should also fertilize your potato plants with a balanced fertilizer about once a month.

Harvest Your Potatoes

You can harvest your potatoes when the plant starts to die back. Carefully dig up the potatoes and brush off any excess soil. Let the potatoes dry in a cool, dry place for a few days before storing them in a cool, dark place. Your potatoes should last for several months if stored properly.

Now that you know how to plant potatoes from the store, you can grow your own delicious potatoes right in your own garden. With a little bit of care and patience, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of tasty spuds!