Growing Potatoes At Home

Potatoes are the perfect staple for anyone thinking about having a more sustainable homestead.  A cornerstone of dinners the world over, the potato is one of the most versatile vegetables you can grow (and eat).  Plus, they’re a great source of vitamins, including vitamin C, and B6 and are packed with potassium. In this article we get down in the dirt and explain the things you need to know to start growing potatoes at home.

Snapshot

Where Do Potatoes Grow Best?

Despite being buried under piles of dirt, potatoes are sun lovers and are best grown in full sun.  The soil should be acidic with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.

When Should Potatoes be Planted?

While they can be planted all year round, ideally, potatoes will be planted in about 2 feet of nutritious soil in early Spring.

How Should Potatoes be Planted

Potatoes should be planted about 12 inches apart.  In about 2 feet of soil.  The best method is to dig them in to about 1 ½ feet.  Then, cover them, with 6 to 8 inches or nutrient rich soil, compost, and organic fertilizer and wait for the saplings to grow.  Once the shoots start coming through, repeat the process until the potatoes are covered with about 2 feet of soil (the potatoes will be “hilled up” in little mounds with the shoots coming through the top.  It is also a good idea to support your potatoes with some seaweed spray at the time of planting each layer. Cover the potatoes with mulch to maintain moisture in the soil.

Growing Potatoes in Containers

Potatoes can be grown very successfully in containers.  The same rules apply to those grown in a traditional garden.  Find a container 15 to 20 inches deep.  Fill it with 4 to 8 inches of potting mix and compost.  Place your potato seeds about 12 inches apart and cover them with another 4 to 8 inches of compost, and other organic matter. When the leave shoot through repeat the process covering the potatoes with another 4 to 8 inches of soil until you reach the top of the container.

 Watering

Potatoes do not need much water.  A light sprinkle as you add each additional layer is about all these tubers need.  Avoid the temptation to water them as it will cause them to rot underground.

Harvesting Your Potatoes

Potatoes can take anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks to be ready for harvest.  For new potatoes harvest when the lower leaves start to change colour.  For later season, potatoes wait until the leaves have all died off.  You should pick your potatoes when you’re ready to eat them as they’re best stored below ground anyway.

Potatoes are best eaten when they are firm and their skin does not peel away.

Potatoes should be stored in a cool dark area, with the dirt on.  If stored properly, potatoes can be stored for long period of time.

Wrap Up

Well, that’s it, everything you need to know about growing potatoes at home. All you need to do now is pick your spot and start digging. Happy gardening!

Looking For More?

Click here to read our article about growing broccoli at home.

Click here to read our article about growing avocados at home.