Potatoes are a staple in Indian kitchens, and growing potatoes in your home garden is a true blessing as you can enjoy them fresh directly from your backyard. The homegrown ones are not only fresher but also healthier than store-bought ones. This is because they are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals often used in commercial farming. Potatoes grown at home offer better nutritional value and taste.
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Growing potatoes is a simple and rewarding task, but most people remain confused about whether they can grow potatoes from potatoes, so the answer to this is yes. By following the below steps, you can be able to raise a bumper crop of tasty potatoes from potatoes in your garden.
Choose The Correct Potatoes
While starting to grow the potatoes, you need to select the right type of potatoes. Look for seed potatoes, which are specifically grown for planting. These can be found at garden centres or online
However, avoid using potatoes from the grocery store, as they may be treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting. Seed potatoes should be firm, with no signs of disease or rot. They should have at least one or two "eyes" (small sprouts) on them. If your seed potatoes are large, cut them into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one eye. Allow the cut pieces to dry for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rot.
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Choose The Right Container
Potatoes can be grown in a variety of containers, making them suitable for both small and large spaces. Select a container that is at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. In containers, you can use plastic pots, wooden boxes, or even large buckets. Ensure the container has good drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can cause the potatoes to rot. If you’re using a container with no pre-existing drainage holes, make sure to drill some in the bottom.
Soil Requirements And Sowing
Potatoes thrive best in loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of 50% garden soil, 30% compost, and 20% river sand is best for growing potatoes. Additionally, make sure the pH level should be 5.5 to 6.5 for the healthy cultivation.
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However, while sowing the potato chunks, put them over the soil mix with a gap of 5-7 inches apart and 3-5 inches covered with soil, making sure the eye is in the upward direction.
Also Read: How To Grow Peas In A Container At Home
Watering
Potatoes need consistent moisture to grow well, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Water the potatoes regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage in your container.
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Additionally, during dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. An easy way to remind yourself is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you notice the plants wilting, it's a sign they need more water.
Sunlight
Potatoes require plenty of sunlight to produce a good yield. So, place your container in a location where it will receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re growing potatoes indoors or in a less sunny spot, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary light. The more sunlight your plants receive, the better they will grow and the larger your potatoes will be.
Harvesting
Harvesting potatoes is a simple and exciting task. Your potatoes will be ready to dig up when the green plants start to turn yellow and dry out; it may take 80 to 100 days from the plant date. When growing in containers, you can tip it over and sort through the soil to find the potatoes. After harvesting, let the potatoes sit in a cool, dark place for a few days to prevent the skin from turning green.