![]() Harvestīegin harvesting young “new potatoes” when flowers first appear on the plant. Additional fertilizer can be added up to three weeks before harvest. In lieu of a soil test, fertilize at planting as mentioned above and add an additional 1.5 pounds of 10-10-10 after vines spread out about 2 feet in diameter. Fertilizationįollow the fertilization recommendations on your soil test report. You do not want the tubers to rot from too much water late in the season. When the plants begin to yellow and the lower leaves begin to die, reduce the irrigation rate. It might be helpful to use a sprinkler for frequent irrigation, especially in warmer temperatures. Heavier soil needs watering at least once every five to seven days, but sandy soils may need even more frequent irrigation. Mulching the soil can help conserve water, reduce weeds and keep the soil temperature lower, resulting in a longer growth period and bigger harvest. Water is especially critical when the blossoms are forming. Uneven water distribution can cause problems such as knobs or growth cracks. Good soil moisture is necessary for all stages of plant growth. Potatoes that develop in sunlight will be green and inedible. Fluff up straw or mulch over the potatoes to help prevent sunlight from penetrating down to the crop. With a hoe, pull soil from between the rows and be careful not to dig too deeply and injure roots. When the sprouts are out of the ground about 6 inches high, begin hilling soil around them. Apply a complete fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 at a rate of 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet of garden. Gently firm the soil over the top of the newly planted seed and cover with a few inches of straw or other mulch. Potato seed should be planted 4 to 5 inches deep in the soil with the eyes facing up. Plant the potatoes in rows 15 inches apart with 24 inches between each row. Soil test to check fertility requirements and the pH of your soil. Potatoes perform best in moderately acidic soil with a pH between 4.8 and 5.4. Make sure to spread the organic matter throughout the soil using a rotary tiller or spading fork. Potatoes do best if organic matter is applied in the form of manure or compost in the early spring. Raised beds are a great way to grow potatoes because of the improved drainage and high soil quality. They thrive in soils that are loose and loamy rather than in compact clay, which keeps them from getting the air and water they need. Potatoes cannot grow in soils that are wet and boggy. Potatoes can grow in a wide variety of soils but perform best when planted in a sandy loam amended with organic matter. If planting is delayed, potato seeds can be stored for a few days at 55-60☏. Potatoes should be allowed to dry and heal over for a day after cutting and prior to planting. Dispose of potatoes showing any internal dark rings or discoloration during the cutting process. Make cuts exposing the least amount of the cut surface as possible. (Do not use potatoes purchased from grocery stores, as they are treated with a growth inhibitor.) The seed pieces of potatoes should be cut so that each seed has at least two eyes. Purchasing certified tubers will help reduce disease problems in the crop. Potatoes are not produced from true seeds, but rather seed pieces. ![]() * From the 1998 Pennsylvania Potato Extension and Research Report by William J. Tan skin, light yellow flesh, oblong to flat. Table 2: New and Unusual Potato Cultivars* Susceptible to scab blackleg, growth cracks and hollow heart. Wide adaptability, occasional growth cracks. Wide adaptability, occasional hollow heart and growth cracks. Potato cultivars come in a variety of colors, from purple (Caribe) to yellow (Agria & Yukon Gold), all fit to bake or broil. Red-skinned varieties stand out at dinnertime because of their striking color and unique texture and taste. White-skinned potatoes are popular because they are moist and tasty. The variety that you choose comes down to personal taste. Good-growing potato varieties include white- or red-skinned types as well as those with yellow, pink or purplish flesh. The thick, russetskinned potatoes sold in the grocery store do not grow well in the South and should be avoided. In Georgia, we primarily grow Irish potatoes or, as they are commonly known, thin-skinned potatoes. This publication discusses selecting the right types of potatoes, proper planting, maintenance and troubleshooting problems. In order to have a successful crop the homeowner must provide good soil, ample water and proper fertilization. Potatoes are a cool-season crop most often planted in early spring in Georgia. Potatoes are a wonderful and easy vegetable to grow for feeding the family, as well as for sharing with hungry neighbors.
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