Potatoes are very important because of its numerous uses, particularly in the field of culinary arts. People can use these simple ingredients to cook and create super delicious and highly enticing dishes. By learning how to grow potatoes, they can save more money instead of spending a lot in purchasing expensive products in groceries and supermarkets.
Materials Needed
Before learning how to grow potatoes, the very first thing that people must do is to gather all the materials needed to accomplish the job. These include a shovel, seed potatoes and mulch. Furthermore, a garden trowel, a garden hose and fertilizers also play major roles in this particular project. Compost markers are also very important.
Steps
The very first thing to do is to select the right location for the seed potatoes. The site must receive full sunlight. Furthermore, the soil must be rich in minerals like potassium and phosphorous. On the contrary, it must have low nitrogen levels. The soil must be free from debris, rocks or any other things that can block the path of the seeds.
After choosing the right site for the job, bury the seeds in holes measuring 12-inches deep each. To guarantee the right texture of soil for the seeds, add generous amounts of compost. According to experts, be careful not to use manure in soil for this particular task because it can lead to a certain plant disease.
The seed potatoes must measure at least two inches in diameter each. For bigger varieties, cut the seeds into two or three smaller pieces. Experts recommend the deep-planting method for this particular project. Under this method, each hole must be 12-inches away from each other to give seeds ample spaces to grow. When the plants finally reach six to eight inches height, cover the surrounding areas below the stem with generous amounts of mulch. Repeat the process time after time until the plants grow fully. In the end, fine potatoes will grow inside the mulch.
After seven to eight weeks, harvest time for early potatoes has finally arrived.
Additional Tips and Information
According to experts, homegrown potatoes are better because unlike those sold in groceries and supermarkets, they are free from chemicals. In the mulching process, straw, hay and dried leaves can also be used for this particular task. While growing, be sure not to let the tubers be exposed to direct sunlight because they tend to produce a toxic alkaloid called solanine.
