Growing your potatoes can be incredibly rewarding and surprisingly easy. Whether you want to grow them in the garden, pots or containers, potatoes are versatile and perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. You can enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes for your Christmas dinner harvest and beyond with a little preparation.
Why Grow Potatoes?
Potatoes are not only easy to grow but also a nutritious vegetable. They’re rich in vitamins B and C and have more protein and iron than many other vegetables. Additionally, they contain minerals like Phosphorus, Potassium, and Calcium, making them a great addition to any garden.
How to Grow Potatoes in the Garden
Step 1: Chitting Your Potatoes
Before planting, potatoes need to sprout, a process known as chitting. To do this:
- Place the seed potatoes on a tray (egg cartons work well) in a cool, well-lit area, out of direct sunlight.
- When the shoots appear, they are ready for planting. For a boost, place them in the hot water cylinder, where it’s warm and dark, before moving them to sunlight to darken the shoots.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
- For light, well-worked soil, weed removal is enough.
- For heavier soils, add Gypsum to improve soil structure and ensure good drainage without altering pH. Gypsum also provides calcium, which potatoes love.
- Dig trenches around 20 cm deep and 40cm apart. Place a handful of potato fertilisers per 1m length of trench, and cover with 5 cm of soil to prevent burning.
Step 3: Planting the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in the trench 15 cm deep, 30 cm apart and cover them with soil.
Step 4: Mounding
- When the sprouts reach about 15 cm tall, mound the soil around them, adding 10 cm each time. This will help support the plants, protect new potatoes from sun exposure, and deter pests.
- Repeat this step until the plant reaches maturity or the tops begin to flower or wither.
- Tip: You can skip the mounding process by creating a larger mound of 30-40 cm of soil at planting time, simplifying the process and saving time.
Growing Potatoes in Pots or Space Savers
Don’t have a lot of space? No problem! Potatoes can thrive in containers like pots, wine barrels, tyres, or rubbish bins.
- Choose a container with good drainage and clean it well before use.
- Chit your potatoes before planting.
- Add 10 cm of soil to the container, followed by a layer of Potato Fertiliser, another 5 cm of soil, and the seed potatoes. Cover with 15 cm of soil.
Continue the mounding process (or fill the container) as described in Step 4 until the container is full or the plants are mature. Once the plants begin to flower or the foliage dies off, carefully turn the container over to harvest.
Tips for Successful Potato Growing
Watering: Regular watering promotes smooth, well-developed potatoes.
Harvesting: Potatoes are ready for harvesting after 90-100 days, depending on the variety.
Storage: Allow the tops to die off completely before harvesting. Store potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place.
Pests and Diseases: Watch out for pests like aphids and blight. Neem Granules are an excellent natural pest control.
Soil Quality: Ensure the soil is well-drained and incorporate Gypsum to prevent scabby skin.
Crop Rotation: Plant potatoes in a new position every year to prevent disease buildup.
Potato Varieties and Harvest Time
There are several types of potatoes, each with different maturation times:
Extra Early Crop: Mature in 60 days.
Early Crop: Mature in 90 days.
Early Main Crop: Mature in 90-100 days.
Main Crop: Mature in up to 110 days.
Whether growing potatoes in the garden or using space-saving containers, the process is simple, and the rewards are delicious. With the right care, you can harvest fresh, homegrown potatoes just in time for your Christmas dinner or any other meal.
