How to Plant Sprouting Potatoes

Potatoes are a popular and delicious food that can be grown easily in your own garden. If you have some potatoes that are starting to sprout, don't throw them away! You can use them to grow your own potato plants. In this article, we will discuss how to plant sprouting potatoes so that you can enjoy a bountiful potato harvest in no time.

Preparing the Potato

The first step in planting a sprouting potato is to prepare the potato itself. Start by cutting the potato into small pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one sprouting "eye." These "eyes" are small, indentations on the potato that will eventually grow into new potato plants.

Next, let the cut potato pieces sit out for a day or two until the cut sides have dried out. This will help prevent rotting when the potato is planted in soil.

Choosing the Right Spot

Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sun each day, and mix in some compost or other organic matter to improve the soil's fertility. Potatoes also need to be planted in an area of the garden that has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Planting the Potato

To plant your sprouting potatoes, dig a hole in the prepared soil with a trowel or a shovel. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the potato piece, with about an inch of soil covering the top of the potato.

Place the potato piece in the hole with the sprouting "eye" facing up. Cover the potato with soil and water it well. As the potato grows, continue to mound soil up around the base of the plant to encourage the formation of more tubers.

Caring for Potato Plants

Potato plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, or as needed to keep the soil from drying out.

Potatoes are also heavy feeders, so apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

Harvesting Potatoes

Potatoes are ready for harvest when the plants have died back and the leaves have turned yellow. Carefully dig up the potatoes, taking care not to damage them with the shovel or fork. Allow the potatoes to cure in a cool, dry, dark spot for a week or two before storing them in a cool, dark place for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Growing your own potatoes from sprouting potatoes is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. By preparing the potato, choosing the right spot, planting the potato properly, and caring for the potato plant, you can enjoy a bountiful potato harvest right from your own garden.