Planting and caring for potatoes - the secrets of successful plant cultivation

- This is a common root vegetable that is used for cooking. At the moment, there are many varieties of this plant, which differ from each other in size, flowers, the number of fruits in each bush, as well as other features. Regardless of which variety was chosen for planting on the site, you need to know the basic principles of potato care. However, you first need to figure out how to properly plant this crop.

Potato tubers are used as planting material, which are specially selected according to the required variety. It is best to select specimens suitable for planting in the fall. The potatoes selected for planting should be healthy, without damage, and the size of the tubers should be approximately equal to the size of a chicken egg.

There is a misconception that for planting it is necessary to use small potatoes that are not eaten. It sprouts much faster, but this is not an indicator that the bush will grow healthy.

Using fine planting material, new root crops also grow small, and often in small numbers. This must be remembered by those who strive to get rich.

Having selected the most suitable potato tubers for planting, they need to be planted. This procedure will reduce the likelihood of rotting, and also repels various pests that can have a negative impact on the condition of the fruit. In order to produce landscaping, it is necessary, first of all, to clean the potatoes from the remnants of the earth. After that, place a thin layer in a flat container and put in a bright place for several days.

In winter, potatoes should be stored at a temperature of about 10-15 degrees. If the temperature is lower, it is likely that it will freeze. At the same time, it is important to periodically bring the tubers into the light, because otherwise the sprouts that begin to appear from each fruit will be too fragile, which in turn will affect the strength of the bush after planting.

To date, the method of planting "under the straw" is widely used.

Potatoes can be grown in containers, in which a large amount of organic fertilizer should be applied.

This method allows you to easily transport potatoes without damaging the bushes, and also facilitates pest control and the collection procedure.

How to care for potatoes

There is an opinion that planting and caring for potatoes is a simple matter that can be handled even without experience. However, after the onset of difficulties in the form of weeds, pests and dry weather, many beginners and experienced gardeners are at risk of getting a crop that leaves much to be desired. To avoid this, you need to remember a few basic rules that allow you to grow large, beautiful and healthy potatoes.

For potatoes:

Loosening. "Harmful" plants appear in the area planted with root crops already 1-2 weeks after planting. This can be avoided if the soil is loosened in time.

At the beginning of the development cycle, any weeds are very sensitive, and therefore the mechanical impact during loosening will destroy them.

This procedure will also saturate the soil with oxygen, which is very useful for plant growth.

Hilling. It is known that the roots of potatoes are able to grow not only deep, but also to the sides. To prevent their damage, the bushes should be hilled. It is best to do this with an interval of one week, until the height of the "mound" under each bush is about 20 cm. Hilling is also useful in that it protects the roots from pests.

Top dressing with fertilizers. When growing potatoes, it is recommended to feed 3 times. For the first time, it is recommended to apply 1.5 cups of humus under each bush, at a time when the tops have just begun to grow. The second top dressing is carried out when the buds appear, and is carried out using wood ash. For the third time, the bushes are fertilized with superphosphate during the flowering period.

weeds. Weed control is a pressing problem for many gardeners. Areas planted with potatoes are best cleared of weeds by hand, without the use of choppers or other tools, so as not to damage the roots of the plant. Cleaning should be done at least once a week.

Watering. Potatoes, unlike other popular vegetable crops, do not need to be watered too often. In the period from planting to harvest, it is enough to irrigate 2-4 times, depending on weather conditions.

The first should be minimal, since a large amount of moisture can adversely affect the condition of the tops. Bushes should be watered abundantly when their height reaches 15 cm.

Pest control. The worst enemies of potatoes are the Colorado potato beetle and wireworm. To combat them, it is recommended to use onion peel, which is sprinkled over the entire area or placed directly under. Also a great option would be to plant in the immediate vicinity of calendula, whose important property is to repel harmful insects. Chemical pest control should only be used as a last resort if other methods are not effective.

Preparing for the harvest. Experienced gardeners are advised to mow the tops before harvesting. This should be done 7-10 days before the start of harvesting. Mowing stops the growth of tubers, as a result of which their skin is compacted.

Following the described rules, caring for potatoes will become less problematic. In addition, with a competent approach to the growing process, the harvest will fully meet the expectations of the gardener.

While watching the video, you will learn about caring for planting potatoes.

Undoubtedly, planting and caring for potatoes is a complex process that has many features and subtleties. To grow a decent crop, you must follow the basic rules and recommendations, as well as take into account the characteristics of different varieties of potatoes.