Potatoes is that vegetable crop that can be grown with little effort, in a variety of soils and under diverse growing conditions. Aside from being grown easily at home, potatoes are highly nutritious with a variety of uses - from mashing, baking, roasting to frying.
Potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also naturally gluten-free, making it enjoyable by almost everyone.
Timing: Tolerant of cool soils and moderate frosts with a minimum soil temperature of 6°C (43°F).
Sowing: Set tubers 7-10cm (3-4”) deep, 30cm (12”) apart in prepared trenches spaced 60cm (24”) apart.
Plant in full sun in well-drained, loamy soil, rich in fertilizer, however, avoid freshly limed beds and fresh manure.
Growing: Plants will emerge about 2-3 weeks after planting. Ideal pH: 5.5 – 6.5.
To avoid disease, minimize irrigating between planting and sprout emergence.
It is important to not let the soil become too dry. Once plants begin to bloom, keep potatos evenly moist.
Harvesting: Potatoes require gentle care when harvesting. Use a fork to gradually loosen the soil around the plant.
Harvest “new” potatoes 7-8 weeks after planting.
Harvest potatoes grown for storage and winter use after vines have died back. However, tubers should stay in the ground for another 2 weeks to allow skins to firm for storage.
Store potatoes in a cold, dark location 4-7°C (40-45°F) with good ventilation. Throughout the winter, be sure to check stored potatoes frequently and remove any that are turning soft or looking moldy.
Protection: Apply light mulch or straw over newly emerged potato plants ground warmth and protects the tender plants from freezing temperatures.
Pests and Disease: Wireworms, which are a larvae form of Click Beetles, are common. Create bait made of carrot and potato pieces to find out if you have wireworms before planting. Bury bait 10cm into the soil then dig up 3-4 days after to see if 1 or 2 wireworms are present.