How to Plant Potatoes Eyes

Potatoes are one of the easiest plants to grow in your backyard, and they make a fantastic addition to any vegetable garden. When planting potatoes, it is important to know how to plant the "eyes" of the potato, which are the small buds you see sprouting from the surface of the potato. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to plant potato eyes.

Step One: Choose Your Seed Potatoes

The first step in planting potatoes is to choose your seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are the small potatoes that you will use to plant your potato crop. You can purchase seed potatoes from a local nursery or garden center, or you can use potatoes from your refrigerator that have started to sprout.

Make sure that your seed potatoes are disease-free and have no signs of rot or decay. If you are not sure if your seed potatoes are healthy, it is best to purchase new ones.

Step Two: Prepare Your Soil

Before you plant your potatoes, you will need to prepare your soil. Potatoes grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil quality.

Dig a trench in your garden bed that is about six inches deep and 12 inches wide. If you have heavy clay soil, you can add sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage.

Step Three: Cut Your Seed Potatoes

Once your soil is prepared, it is time to cut your seed potatoes. Cut your seed potatoes into pieces that are about the size of a golf ball. Each piece should have at least one or two eyes.

Be sure to cut your seed potatoes at least 24 hours before you plant them. This will give the cut surface time to dry out and reduce the risk of rotting in the soil.

Step Four: Plant Your Seed Potatoes

It is time to plant your seed potatoes. Place your potato pieces into the trench with the cut side facing down and the eye facing up. Space your seed potatoes about 12 inches apart.

Cover your seed potatoes with about two inches of soil. As your potato plant grows, you will need to continue hilling the soil around the plant to keep the potatoes covered.

Step Five: Water and Fertilize Your Plants

Water your potatoes regularly to keep them moist but not waterlogged. You can fertilize your potatoes with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.

It is also a good idea to mulch your potato plants to help regulate temperature and moisture in the soil.

Step Six: Harvest Your Potatoes

After about 90-120 days, your potatoes will be ready to harvest. Gently dig up your potato plants and harvest your potatoes. Be sure to store your potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent them from sprouting.

In conclusion, planting potatoes is easy, and it is important to know how to plant the eyes of the potato. By following these steps, you will have a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown potatoes.