All about Growing Potatoes
(Page 2 of 3)
December 2008/January 2009
By Barbara Pleasant
Two days before planting, cut the seed potatoes into pieces, so that each piece has two to three buds (or “eyes”). Cutting the seed potatoes and letting the cut pieces dry for about two days reduces the risk of rotting. Work carefully if the eyes have already grown into sprouts. Allow the cut pieces to dry in a well-ventilated room. Plant the pieces 12 inches apart in 4-inch deep furrows; cover the seed pieces with 2 inches of soil. Fill in the furrows after the first sprouts emerge.
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Harvesting and Storage
Potato plants die back as they finish making their crop. Begin digging when the foliage starts to yellow and wither. Gently knock off dirt and allow the tubers to dry indoors, covered with dry towels, for a day or two. Take care to protect the tubers from sunlight at all times to prevent greening that may result in bitterness. Store the most perfect tubers in a cool, 50- to 60- degree place to be used as seed potatoes. Eat the “less than perfect” potatoes first, but keep in mind that they won’t store forever. For longer storage, potato slices can be blanched and dried. A pressure canner must be used to can potatoes.
Saving Seeds
Occasionally potatoes produce true seeds, but they are easiest to propagate by replanting the actual potatoes. If you are a new gardener, start with certified disease-free seed potatoes. Resist the urge to eat several pounds of perfect, medium-sized potatoes — they will be great for planting the following year. Most experienced gardeners experiment with varieties and eventually assemble a collection of favorites. About 6 pounds of seed potatoes are needed to plant 50 feet of row — yield will vary from 75 to 125 pounds.
Growing Tips
Buy interesting-looking potatoes if you see them in stores. If you love the way they taste, save a couple and use them as seed potatoes in the spring. In rural areas, farm supply stores sell seed potatoes of varieties known to produce well under local conditions.
Get an earlier crop by presprouting your seed potatoes indoors. Presprouted seed pieces will mature up to a month ahead of seed pieces bearing dormant eyes. Five weeks or so before planting, spread out your seed potatoes in a single layer in a warm, well-lit room, and wait for them to sprout from the eyes. Presprouted potatoes are fragile, so be careful when handling them. Large sprouts that break off of the parent potato often will grow when planted in moist soil.
