Growing your own potatoes in a garden is quite easy, however, some people who are new to growing potatoes variety plants are unsure how to go about it.
Nevertheless, in this short post, we will highlight some of the basic steps needed to grow your own potato garden at home.
Once you have a basic understanding of potatoes and how they grow, you will be able to reap the benefits afterward.
What Are Potatoes?
Potatoes are a staple food in many households. They are easy to grow and are also a good source of nutrients.
They grow underground and produce flowers on top of the soil during the day. There are three types of Potatoes: long, round, and waxy potatoes.
Potatoes can be eaten raw, mashed, boiled, fried, or roasted. They can also be made into chips and fries or used for soups and stews.
Potatoes can also be used to make flour for bread doughs, pancakes, biscuits, muffins, and tortillas.
Why You Should Grow Your Own Potatoes and Save Money
When you grow your own potatoes, you can save money and have fresh produce for your family.
It is also an excellent way to get children involved in growing their own food.
Potatoes are the perfect crop to grow in a small space.
They are easy to care for, they don’t need much space, and they can be harvested quickly.
Plus, they’re delicious! Some small-space farmers plant vegetables in small containers, like a window box or something similar.
Some choose to grow in the garden, but some might choose to build or buy a greenhouse instead.
Growing potatoes can be done in any area of your yard or lawn that gets full sun. It’s important not to plant them too deeply into the soil because they will not grow well.
How to Grow Your Own Potato Plants in Less Than 24 Hours from Seed To Harvest
Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world.
They are also very easy to grow in home gardens and can be harvested in just a few days.
Here is how you can plant your own potato seed starter pack and grow potatoes from seed to harvest in less than 24 hours!
You will need some soil, a pot for planting, a tray or jar for growing potatoes, some potting mix, some seeds that are appropriate for your area (there are many varieties), and water.
Potato plants need good drainage so make sure that you don’t use anything that holds too much moisture or doesn’t allow the soil to dry out between watering cycles.
How long do Potatoes take to germinate?
Potatoes take a long time to germinate. It takes about 7-10 days for the seed to sprout.
The process of germination is complex and it happens in multiple stages.
First, the potato seed starts to swell, then it will develop tiny roots, and finally, it will sprout and grow into a plant.
.Potatoes need a warm and sunny spot to grow, and they will not take root in the ground.
They also grow best in well-drained soil. Don’t forget that they should also be planted shallowly, with the top of the seed no more than 1/4 inch below the surface of the soil.
If they are planted too deep, the seedlings may be stunted.
Potatoes grown in poor soil will yield disappointing results.
Potatoes are a heavy feeder, and so adding organic matter to the soil helps them grow.
They also require good drainage, so avoid getting them planted in any clay or otherwise poorly draining soils.
When to Harvest Potatoes?
Fresh potatoes are usually harvested in the fall, but this does not apply to all varieties. Here are some tips on when to harvest potatoes for different varieties.
How to harvest:
-Harvests should be done once the leaves have turned a yellowish color. The leaves can be inspected by bending down and inspecting from the ground upwards.
-This is a silent process, so it can easily be done while others sleep or work in the house.
-For a quick harvest, simply dig up an area around each potato as wide as your arm will cover
-The soil should be loose enough to disturb without causing damage, but not too loose so that it would require digging back up again
-Be careful not to let any of the dirt or debris contaminate your potato’s skin
How To Start Growing Potatoes at Home for the First Time
Growing your own potatoes is a great way to save money, as well as provide a fresh, healthy meal for your family.
There are many different types of potato plants and varieties that can be grown in pots or soil.
You need to start with seed potatoes and potting mix.
Place the seed potatoes in the potting mix and water it so that it is moist but not wet.
Covering the surface of the potting mix with a layer of pebbles will help retain moisture and keep the soil from drying out too quickly.
It is important to place your potato plants in a location where they will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day, this will help them grow faster and produce more tubers than if they were in less light.
How to Plant Potatoes?
Potatoes are best planted up to 6 weeks before their intended harvest time.
As with other vegetables, potatoes should be planted deep enough so that the top of their crowns are just below the soil surface.
Dig a hole wide enough for your potatoes and deep enough as well, about 2-3 inches deep.
Add a handful of compost or aged manure to the bottom of the hole and place your potato on top.
Cover with an inch or two of soil and water well before adding more compost or aged manure.
5 Steps Every Beginner Must Do When Growing Potatoes At Home for the First Time
It takes a lot of time and patience to grow potatoes at home.
One needs to plan ahead and allow enough space for growing your own potatoes. Growing your own potatoes is a great way to save money and enjoy your food.
The first step is to choose your potato variety. There are several types:
Table Potatoes
These are medium-sized potatoes with thick skin and flesh that can be roasted or baked, but also mashed if you want a fluffy potato side dish.-
Yukon Gold Potatoes
These potatoes have a cream color, smooth skin, and crisp flesh. They are commonly used in dishes like mashed potatoes or French fries because of their versatile texture. .
Idaho Potatoes
These potatoes have a red hue and are known for their nutty flavor. They’re commonly used in soups, stews, and roasting.
Russet Potatoes
These potatoes are often used in dishes like mashed potatoes or french fries because of their dense texture and firm flesh. The skin on these potatoes is bumpy and hard to scrape off.
Red Flesh Potatoes
These potatoes have a smooth texture with soft, red flesh. The skin on these potatoes is easy to scrape off with a fork.
Once you are aware of all the different types of potatoes you will know how to treat, care and harvest each variant of potatoes in the garden.
