How to Successfully Plant Seed Potatoes

If you are planning to start a vegetable garden, including potatoes in the list is always a great idea. Potatoes are not only delicious and versatile in recipes, but they are also fun to grow. In this article, you will learn the steps on how to plant seed potatoes for a successful harvest.

Choosing Seed Potatoes

The first step in planting potatoes is to select seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are small whole potatoes or potato chunks that are used for planting instead of potato seeds. When choosing seed potatoes, select firm and healthy ones. Avoid choosing any potatoes with cuts, bruises or signs of disease.

It is recommended to start with certified seed potatoes to reduce the risk of introducing diseases to your garden. Also, consider purchasing seed potatoes that are appropriate for the weather conditions in your region.

Preparing the Soil

Potatoes prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 5.2-6.4. Start by loosening the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. Remove any rocks or debris from the soil. Add organic matter, such as compost or manure, and work it into the soil.

To promote the growth of healthy potatoes, avoid planting them in the same place where potatoes or other nightshade family plants such as tomatoes or peppers have been grown in the past two years.

Cutting and Chitting Seed Potatoes

Cutting seed potatoes before planting is optional. However, cutting them encourages the development of more eyes, which means more potatoes. Cut the seed potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks, making sure each chunk has at least two eyes.

Chitting seed potatoes is another optional step. Chitting involves exposing seed potatoes to light to encourage them to sprout before planting. To chit seed potatoes, place them in a cool and dry location with plenty of light. The sprouts that develop should be about 1 inch long before planting.

Planting Seed Potatoes

Planting seed potatoes should be done two to three weeks before the last frost date in your area. First, dig a hole or trench that is 4-6 inches deep. If you are planting multiple rows of potatoes, space them at least 30 inches apart.

Place the seed potatoes with the sprouts facing upwards and the cut side facing downwards. Cover the seed potatoes with soil, leaving a ridge that is about 4-6 inches tall. Water the soil thoroughly and continue to water the plants regularly.

Hilling Potato Plants

Once the potato plants are approximately 6 inches tall, start hilling them. Hilling involves adding soil to the base of the plants to create a hill around the stem. This hill will protect the plant from sunlight that can cause the tubers to turn green and become inedible.

Hill the plants every two to four weeks until the ridge is about 12 inches tall. The ridges also promote the growth of more potatoes.

Harvesting Potatoes

Potatoes are usually ready to harvest 70-120 days after planting, depending on the potato variety. The potato plant will start to die back, and the vines will turn yellow. Stop watering the plant and leave it for two to three weeks before harvesting.

To harvest, gently dig into the soil using a shovel or garden fork. Be careful not to damage the potatoes. Once harvested, allow the potatoes to dry out for a few hours in a cool and dry place.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes is easy and can be done in your backyard. By following these steps on how to plant seed potatoes, you can grow healthy and delicious potatoes in your garden. Remember to select firm and healthy seed potatoes, prepare the soil properly, cut and chit seed potatoes if desired, plant them in the ground, hill the plants, and harvest them once fully matured. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!