Preparing Potatoes for Planting
The first step in growing potatoes from potatoes is to prepare them for planting. You will need to choose seed potatoes, which are potatoes that are specifically grown for planting. These can be purchased at a garden center or online.
Choosing the Right Seed Potatoes
When choosing seed potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. They should also be small to medium in size, as larger potatoes will produce a larger plant but smaller potatoes.
Chitting the Seed Potatoes
Before planting, it’s a good idea to chit your seed potatoes. This means allowing them to sprout before planting. To do this, place your seed potatoes in a cool, dry place with plenty of light.
Planting Potatoes
Once your seed potatoes have sprouted, it’s time to plant them. Here’s how to grow potatoes from potatoes:
Choosing a Location
Potatoes prefer cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. Choose a location in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and has good drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, prepare your soil by removing any weeds or rocks. Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can test your soil with a pH testing kit, which can be purchased at a garden center or online.
Planting the Seed Potatoes
Plant your seed potatoes about 4-6 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart. Cover with soil and water well.
Caring for Potatoes
Growing potatoes from potatoes requires some care and attention. Here are some tips for caring for your potato plants:
Watering
Potatoes need consistent moisture to grow properly. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to rot.
Fertilizing
Potatoes need plenty of nutrients to grow. Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, every few weeks.
Hilling
As your potato plants grow, they will produce new tubers. To encourage this process, hill up soil around the base of the plants as they grow. This will also help to prevent the tubers from turning green.
Harvesting Potatoes
After about three months, your potato plants should be ready for harvest. Here’s how to grow potatoes from potatoes and harvest them:
Digging up Potatoes
Carefully dig up your potato plants with a garden fork. Be sure to do this on a dry day, as wet soil can damage the tubers.
Curing Potatoes
After harvesting, cure your potatoes by leaving them in a cool, dry place for about two weeks. This will help to toughen up the skin and extend their storage life.
Storing Potatoes
Store your cured potatoes in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Do not store them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to turn sweet.
FAQs
How many potatoes will I get from each plant?
Each potato plant can produce anywhere from 2-10 potatoes, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Can I grow potatoes in a container?
Yes, potatoes can be grown in containers. Use a large container, such as a half-barrel, and plant one or two seed potatoes per container.
Can I plant store-bought potatoes?
While you can plant store-bought potatoes, they may not produce as well as seed potatoes. Store-bought potatoes may also carry diseases that can affect your plants.
Conclusion
Growing potatoes from potatoes is a fun and rewarding project for any gardener. With the right preparation and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious potatoes. Follow the tips in this article to learn how to grow potatoes from potatoes and enjoy the fruits of your labor.