Can You Plant Whole Potatoes?

Many people wonder if it's possible to grow potatoes from whole potatoes. The answer is yes, you can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to successfully plant whole potatoes and grow your own potato crop.

The Best Potatoes to Use

When it comes to planting whole potatoes, you want to choose the right type. The best potatoes to use are seed potatoes, which are small potatoes that are specifically grown for planting. They can be purchased from a gardening supply store or ordered online.

You can also use leftover potatoes from the grocery store or ones from your own pantry, but keep in mind that there is a risk of disease and pests with these types of potatoes. If you do decide to use grocery store potatoes, make sure they are organic and have not been treated with any chemicals or sprout inhibitors.

The Planting Process

The first step in planting whole potatoes is to prepare the soil. Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil, so you will need to work some compost or fertilizer into the soil before planting. You should also select a planting area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Next, cut the seed potatoes into smaller pieces, making sure each piece has at least one "eye." The eyes are the small indentations on the potato where new growth will emerge. Let the cut potatoes sit out for a few days to allow the cut surfaces to dry out and callus over.

Once the potatoes have callused over, it's time to plant them. Dig a small hole and place each potato piece in the hole, with the eye facing up. Cover the potatoes with soil, making sure they are about four inches deep. Water the soil thoroughly.

Maintenance

After planting, you will need to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Potatoes are susceptible to disease if they are kept too wet. Once the plants begin to emerge from the soil, you can add more soil around the base of the plants to help support them.

You should also make sure to weed around the potato plants regularly, as weeds can compete with the plants for nutrients and water. When the potato plants begin to flower, you can begin harvesting small, "new" potatoes by carefully digging around the base of the plants.

In Conclusion

Planting whole potatoes can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to choose the right type of potato and to properly prepare the soil. With proper care and maintenance, you can grow your own potato crop and enjoy the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of your labor!