What to do with sprouted potatoes?

If you're an avid gardener, you might be wondering if you can plant those sprouted potatoes in your backyard. Or perhaps you just bought a bag of potatoes, and you noticed that some of them have already sprouted. So, can you plant these sprouted potatoes?

Yes, you can plant sprouted potatoes

First of all, the good news is that you can plant sprouted potatoes. In fact, growing potatoes from sprouts is an excellent way to get a head start on your potato crop. Plus, it's an easy and fun gardening project that you can do with your kids.

How to plant sprouted potatoes?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant sprouted potatoes:

Step 1: Choose the right sprouted potatoes

Choose the sprouted potatoes that are firm to the touch and have several sprouts on them. Avoid the potatoes that are soft or have a musty smell because they might have started to rot.

Step 2: Cut the potatoes into pieces

Use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one sprout. Let the cut potatoes dry out for a day or two before planting them in the soil.

Step 3: Prepare the planting site

Choose a sunny spot in your backyard and prepare the soil by loosening it up with a garden fork. Add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its fertility.

Step 4: Plant the potatoes

Plant the potato pieces in the soil with the sprouts pointing up, about 4-6 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart. Cover them with soil and water them well.

Step 5: Care for the growing plants

As the potato plants grow, mound soil around the stems to encourage more tuber growth. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and feed them with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take necessary action to protect your plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting sprouted potatoes is a great way to grow your own potatoes at home. It's an easy and rewarding gardening project that you can enjoy with your family. Just follow the steps above, and you'll have a bountiful harvest in no time.