Planting potatoes on your land can be a rewarding endeavour, especially in the cooler months leading into winter. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Selecting Seed Potatoes: At the Co-Op we source our seed potatoes from local suppliers. Popular varieties for planting in cooler climates include Sebago, Desiree, and Dutch Cream.
- Preparing the Soil: Potatoes prefer well-drained, loose soil with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 15-20 centimetres and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
- Cutting Seed Potatoes: If your seed potatoes are large, you can cut them into smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one or two eyes (sprouts). Allow the cut pieces to air dry for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rotting.
- Planting: Plant the seed potatoes in furrows or trenches spaced about 30-40 centimetres apart and 10-15 centimetres deep. Place the seed potatoes with the cut side down and eyes facing upward. Space individual potato pieces about 30 centimetres apart within the rows.
- Hilling: As the potato plants grow, gradually mound soil around the stems to cover them. This process, known as hilling, encourages the development of more tubers and prevents them from being exposed to sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and become toxic.
- Watering and Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, monitor for pests and diseases, such as potato beetles and late blight, and take appropriate measures to control them.
- Harvesting: Potatoes are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. You can start harvesting new potatoes when the plants begin to flower or wait until the foliage dies back for mature potatoes. Gently dig around the plants to unearth the tubers, being careful not to damage them.
By following these steps and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of potatoes in your garden.
We look forward to seeing you at the Co-Op!
