How to Plant Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a type of potato that is commonly used for baking and frying. These potatoes have a thick, brownish skin, and a fluffy, dry interior. If you want to grow russet potatoes in your garden, there are a few things that you need to know. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to plant russet potatoes.

Preparing the Soil

The first thing you need to do is to prepare the soil. Russet potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Start by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Remove any rocks, weeds, or other debris from the soil.

Next, you need to amend the soil. Russet potatoes require a lot of nutrients, so you need to add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility. You can add compost, aged manure, or other organic materials to the soil. Mix the organic matter into the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

Planting the Russet Potatoes

Once you have prepared the soil, it's time to plant the russet potatoes. You can plant the potatoes either in rows or in hills. If you're planting in rows, space the rows 2 to 3 feet apart, and space the potatoes 12 to 15 inches apart within the rows. If you're planting in hills, space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart, and plant three to four potatoes per hill.

Make sure to plant the potatoes with the eyes facing up. The eyes are the small indents on the surface of the potato. The eyes will sprout and grow into the potato plant. Plant the potatoes about 4 inches deep in the soil.

Watering and Fertilizing the Potatoes

After you have planted the potatoes, you need to water them thoroughly. Russet potatoes require at least 1 inch of water per week. Water the potatoes deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.

You also need to fertilize the potatoes regularly. Russet potatoes require a lot of nutrients to grow properly. You can fertilize the potatoes with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as blood meal or chicken manure. Add the fertilizer to the soil around the plants once a month.

Harvesting the Potatoes

Russet potatoes typically take about 90 to 120 days to mature. Mature potatoes will have a brownish skin and will feel firm when you squeeze them. To harvest the potatoes, use a digging fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around the plants. Be careful not to damage the potatoes when you dig them up.

After you have harvested the potatoes, you should cure them for about 10 days. Curing helps to toughen the skin and prolong the storage life of the potatoes. To cure the potatoes, spread them out in a dry, cool, and dark place for 10 to 14 days.

Conclusion

Growing russet potatoes in your garden is easy and rewarding. Follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious russet potatoes. Remember to prepare the soil, plant the potatoes properly, water and fertilize them regularly, and harvest them at the right time. Happy planting!