How to Prep Potatoes to Plant

Potatoes are a staple crop in many gardens, and if you're considering planting your own, preparation is key. Proper preparation before planting can lead to a bountiful and healthy harvest. In this article, we'll go over some tips and tricks on how to prep potatoes to plant.

Selecting the Right Seed Potatoes

The first step in prepping potatoes for planting is selecting the right seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are essentially small potatoes that are left to grow and develop roots before being planted. When selecting seed potatoes, look for those that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes, cuts, or bruises. Choose seed potatoes that are about 2-3 inches in diameter as anything larger may take longer to sprout and hit the ground running. It's also vital to purchase from a reputable source as seed potatoes carry diseases that could infect your garden if not carefully sourced.

Cutting your Seed Potatoes

Once you've selected your seed potatoes, it's time to get cutting. The point of cutting seed potatoes is to create a chunk of potato that has at least one "eye" - this is where the sprout will develop. Cutting a larger potato into chunks of seed potatoes ensures that you get more plants for your space. When cutting, make sure each piece has a distinct "eye" and is roughly 2 inches in size. Once you've finished, set your cut potatoes aside to dry overnight.

Preparing the Soil

After cutting your potatoes, it's time to prepare the soil. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil that's rich in organic matter and well-draining. Test the pH levels of your soil and aim for a range of 4.8-5.4. A PH below 4.8 can lead to scab disease, which causes scabby and pitted potato skins, leading to a loss of yield. Adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting can help ensure that your potato plants get the nutrients they need to thrive.

Planting your Seed Potatoes

Now it's time to plant your seed potatoes. Plant your seed potatoes according to your climate zone choosing the right depth for your area. Potatoes will grow in cooler temperatures of between 50-65 Fahrenheit, making them a fantastic winter crop. If you live in a cold climate zone, plant your seed potatoes in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 50 Fahrenheit to prevent them from rotting. Plant your seed potatoes 2-3 inches deep and 10-12 inches apart from each other. Each cut potato chunk should be placed with the "eye" facing up and positioned on top of mounded soil.

Mounding and Mulching

As your plants grow, the tops should be covered with soil--this is called hilling. Hilling keeps the potatoes from greening and protects the developing potatoes from sunburn. It also keeps the ground moist, allowing the roots to grow big and strong, giving the plants a better chance of success. Mulching your potatoes will also help, particularly in hot and dry areas, keeping them moisture-rich while combating weed growth.

In conclusion, if you're looking to grow your potatoes, there's much to learn about how to prep potatoes to plant. Selecting the right seed potatoes, cutting them properly, preparing the soil, planting, and mounding and mulching are key tools in helping you grow a strong, healthy crop. With this guide, you'll be on your way to growing your potatoes in no time.