Planting Store Bought Potatoes: A Beginner's Guide

Introduction

Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your own backyard with ease. While many people purchase seed potatoes specifically for planting, it is possible to plant store bought potatoes and still achieve a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to successfully plant and grow store bought potatoes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Potato

When choosing store bought potatoes for planting, it is important to select ones that are fresh and healthy. Check for signs of damage, such as cuts or bruises, which could indicate disease or rot. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout, as they may have begun to use up the energy needed for growth. It is best to choose a variety of organic potatoes to avoid any exposure to harmful pesticides.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes for Planting

Before planting, you will need to prepare your potatoes by cutting them into pieces that each have at least one eye, which is a small indent on the surface from which the potato plant will grow. Cut your potatoes into pieces that are roughly 2 inches in size, ensuring that each piece has at least one eye.

Step 3: Prepare Your Soil

Potatoes prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can prepare your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to increase its fertility. It is also important to ensure that the soil has a pH level of between 5.0 and 7.0, which is suitable for potato growth.

Step 4: Plant Your Potatoes

Plant your potato pieces about 4 inches deep in your prepared soil, ensuring that each piece is spaced about 12 inches apart. As the potato plants begin to grow, gradually add more soil around the base of the plant to cover the stems and leaves until they are about 8 inches tall. This is called "hilling" and helps to prevent the potatoes from getting sunburned.

Step 5: Care for Your Potato Plants

Potatoes require regular watering, about 1 inch per week, but be careful not to overwater them as this can cause rot. Weeds should also be removed regularly to help with the potato plants' growth. Potato plants will also need to be hilled again when they reach about 8 inches tall to ensure that the potatoes are fully covered.

Step 6: Harvest Your Potatoes

After about three months, your potato plants will begin to flower, indicating that it is time to harvest your potatoes. Gently dig up your potatoes using a garden fork or shovel, being careful not to damage the skin. Allow your potatoes to dry in a cool, dark place for two weeks before storing them in a cool, dry location.

Conclusion

Planting store bought potatoes can be a great way to grow your own delicious crop at home. By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant and harvest healthy, nutritious potatoes from your very own backyard. With a little care and attention, you will soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor in the form of delicious homemade potato dishes.