How to Plant Potatoes with Eyes

Potatoes are a staple food in many households and are relatively easy to grow in your backyard. One way to plant potatoes is with eyes. In this article, we'll go over the steps to planting potatoes with eyes so you can enjoy a bountiful crop in no time!

Preparation

The first step to planting potatoes with eyes is to prepare the soil. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Remove any weeds, rocks or debris from the area and add compost, manure or other organic matter to the soil.

Selecting Seed Potatoes

Next, you'll need to select seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are specially grown to produce sprouts or eyes, which will then grow into new potato plants. Look for seed potatoes at a local garden center or order them online. Some common varieties of seed potatoes include Yukon Gold, Kennebec, and Russet.

Preparing Seed Potatoes

Once you have your seed potatoes, you'll need to prepare them for planting. First, cut them into smaller pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one or two eyes. Allow the cut potatoes to dry for a day or two before planting to prevent rotting.

Planting

When the seed potatoes are ready, it's time to plant them. Dig a furrow about 6 inches deep and place the seed potatoes in the furrow, spacing them about 12 inches apart. Make sure the eyes are facing upward. Cover the potatoes with about 4 inches of soil, leaving a trough or furrow on top for watering.

Care and Maintenance

Once the potatoes are planted, there are a few important steps to take to ensure their growth and health. Water the potatoes regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. As the potato plants grow, you'll need to "hill" them by adding soil around the base of the plant to prevent the potato tubers from being exposed to sunlight. This will also encourage the plants to grow taller and produce more potatoes.

Harvesting

After about 100 days, you can harvest your potatoes. The leaves of the plant will turn yellow and the tops will begin to wither. You can carefully dig up the potatoes with a fork or shovel, being careful not to damage them. Allow the potatoes to dry in a cool, dark place for a few days before storing them.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes with eyes is a simple and rewarding process. With a little preparation and care, you can enjoy a bountiful crop of fresh, delicious potatoes straight from your own backyard.