How to Plant Potatoes Sprouted

Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be planted at home with ease. However, before you plant your potatoes, it's important to understand the process of sprouting potatoes. Sprouting your potatoes before planting can lead to faster and healthier growth, resulting in a successful harvest. In this article, we will discuss how to plant potatoes sprouted, from preparing the soil to harvesting them.

Preparing the Soil

The first step in planting potatoes is to prepare the soil. Potatoes require a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Additionally, potatoes prefer loose and fertile soil that is high in organic matter. To prepare the soil, remove any weeds or rocks from the garden bed and till the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to provide the potato plants with the necessary nutrients.

Sprouting the Potatoes

Once you have prepared the soil, it's time to sprout the potatoes. The best way to sprout potatoes is to place them in a cool, dark place for a few weeks prior to planting. This will encourage the potato to produce sprouts or "eyes." To sprout the potatoes, begin by selecting healthy potatoes that are free of disease and blemishes. Place the potatoes in a cardboard box or paper bag and store them in a cool, dry area, such as a basement or garage. After a few weeks, the potatoes should begin sprouting.

Planting the Potatoes

Now that your potatoes have begun sprouting, it's time to plant them in the prepared soil. When planting potatoes, it's important to space them properly to ensure they have enough room to grow. Dig a trench or hole that is 4-6 inches deep and place the sprouted potatoes in the soil with the sprouts pointing up. Space the potatoes 12-15 inches apart and cover them with soil, leaving a small mound above the ground. As the potatoes grow, continue to add soil to the mound to protect the developing tubers from sunlight.

Caring for the Potatoes

After planting your potatoes, it's important to care for them properly to ensure a successful harvest. Potatoes require regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Be sure to water the soil deeply to encourage the potato plants to develop deep roots. Additionally, potatoes require regular fertilization to provide them with the necessary nutrients to grow. You can apply a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks.

Harvesting the Potatoes

Once the potato plants have bloomed, it's time to harvest your potatoes. To harvest your potatoes, gently dig around the plant with a spade or fork and pull the potatoes out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the potatoes during harvest. Allow the potatoes to dry in the sun for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dry place.

In conclusion, sprouting your potatoes before planting is an important step in ensuring a successful harvest. By preparing the soil, sprouting the potatoes, planting them properly, and caring for the plants, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutritious and delicious vegetable. With these simple steps, you too can learn how to plant potatoes sprouted at home.