Talk about potatoes and we’re talking about a succulent spread of mashed potato, fries, and all things that spell home and comfort. It is no wonder then that is high-carb root is as popular and loved as it is. Fortunately, there is more to potatoes than their taste. Potatoes are rich in vitamin B6 and a great source of potassium, copper, vitamin C, niacin, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. That’s not all; potatoes are also rich in pantothenic acid and pack a variety of phytonutrients that are antioxidant in nature. So, growing them in your garden is a must-try for everyone who wants to grow a green thumb. With a little skill, effort, and some key tips from us, you can, rest assured, harvest a big batch of home-grown potatoes from the soils of your garden.
Choosing Your Seeds
Expert gardeners who have enough experience in growing potatoes indoors recommend using seed potatoes that are specifically grown for the purpose of planting. These potatoes are known to have fewer risks to disease issues when compared to the non-seeded ones. What’s more, this variety is also specifically treated for organic and chemical-free farming. Your best bet is to try a batch of fingerling potatoes. Given their succulent taste and vibrant colors, they’ll add a burst of color and flavor to all your meals.
Sprouting the Spuds
As a thumb rule, it’s important to note that the more sprouts per potato section your plant has, the smaller the potatoes are likely to be at harvest. A good tip is to use tubers that have a maximum of two or three sprouts. If your tubers have more sprouts, you can cut them in half (sections) or pluck all but two or three of the sprouts. Once your tubers have the right number of sprouts, you must let them heal for about 10 days before you decide to plant them. Once planted correctly and in a dark and cool place, your tubers will grow into potatoes in quick time.
Choosing a Container for Your Potatoes
An empty bag of fertilizer- preferably big enough to carry 40 pounds of weight- is a great place to plant your potatoes in. Generally lined in black polystyrene, these bags can be rolled up and down as and when you want to add mulch and expose your plant to additional sun.
Alternatively, you can drill a few holes in the bottoms of a big, vertical bucket and use it as a container to house your potato saplings. It’s equally effective and is a popular choice for many gardeners.
Layering Your Soil as the Plant Grows
Consistently layering your soil with straw, mulch, and/or other growing media is the key to growing a promising yield. Remember that the tubers you harvest are part of the root system that wants to grow vertical and out of the seed tuber. Simply put, this means that your potatoes will continue to grow all the way up to the top most layer of your soil. Hence, it’s imperative that you pack and layer your soil with vital plant nutrients as and when your plant grows.
Harvesting Your Produce
Now for the most rewarding part. A potato that is ready to be harvested will begin to turn yellow in color. Once they turn yellow, harvest your potatoes, brush them gently, and let them sit under the sun for a few hours or so. Once dried, you can either enjoy your harvest right away or store them in a paper bag and tuck them into a cool and dark place.