Potatoes

[LoveDatChickenLife]

I want to grow potatoes but I don’t know anything but they grow in the ground.

Anyone for help???

 

[LittleMissCountry]

I planted potatoes this year for the first time. My parents have grown them for several years, in pots, so I got some tips from them. I bought some grow bags specially for potatoes on Amazon.
As far as planting, you need to set your seed potatoes out in indirect light to stimulate the eyes to sprout. Then cut them in pieces, making sure each piece has a sprout. Let them sit for at least 24 hours to develop a callous on the cut part (prevents rotting in the ground). Then plant them in about 4 to 6 inches of soil, sprouts to the side. Once they have grown about 4 to 6 inches, cover them with another layer of dirt almost to the top of the plant. Do this until several times as they grow, so you have layers of potatoes.

I planted mine 6 weeks ago and have already covered them multiple times. They are gping strong!

 

[lazy gardener]

You can grow in the traditional hilling method where you return repeatedly and hoe the soil up around the base of the plants.

Or you can do it the LG way. I plant my potato sets in a trench about 6" deep. Then, when they break through the soil, I mulch heavily around them. I add mulch to the depth of about 8". When the potatoes bloom, I can then dig in around the base of some of the plants and steal some baby spuds while leaving the rest to continue growing.

You must have enough covering over the root zone to prevent any light from getting to the developing tubers. If they get sun scalded, they will be ruined.

 

[lazy gardener]

Don't try to grow potatoes from the grocery store. Best to buy seed grade potatoes which are certified disease free and have not been sprayed with anti-sprouting chemicals.