How to grow bountiful potato crop: mistakes that spoil everything

May is the time to plant potatoes. And it seems that there is nothing complicated about this process. However, many gardeners make mistakes that later affect the harvest.

That's why OBOZ.UA asked experts for their life hacks on how to maximize the yield of potatoes through proper planting. There are not so many rules, but they should be followed in order to have a good result of your efforts in the fall.

Pay attention to soil and climate

Breeders have developed many varieties of potatoes adapted to completely different growing conditions. Therefore, when choosing a seed, take these nuances into account and buy the one that will feel best in your garden. Of course, other varieties are also likely to grow successfully, but the harvest will not be as rich.

Take care of the quality of the seeds

If you are using home-grown potatoes as planting material, don't forget to sort them out. Anything that is rotten, spoiled, or damaged will have to be thrown away as it will not only fail to produce a crop but may not germinate at all. Purchased material should also be further inspected.

Treat the tubers

Even seemingly healthy tubers can harbor pathogens or microscopic pest eggs. Therefore, before planting, the material should be treated with preventive drugs. Use them exactly as directed.

Plant in warm soil

In order for the potatoes to take root well, the soil in the garden should warm up to 8-10 degrees Celsius. In colder soil, the tubers can rot. If you plant the vegetable too late, it may not have time to ripen.

Choose the right depth

If you plant the seed too deeply, it will take longer to germinate and this will affect the yield. Planting too shallowly can cause the material to dry out. Therefore, before planting potatoes, pay attention to the soil in your garden and prepare holes for planting at the appropriate depth. On average, it will be 8-10 cm. In light sandy soils, you can plant the tubers a little deeper. If you have heavy clay soils, plant higher.

Keep the right distance

There should be enough space between the rows of potatoes in the garden so that the bushes can be hilled from time to time and so that the plants do not compete for space for the root system. Usually, the rows are placed 60-70 cm apart, and the bushes in the rows are 30-40 cm apart. This is also enough for the plants to get enough light and air, as well as water when it rains.

Take care of fertilization

Before planting potatoes, the entire area should be dug up because the vegetable likes well-drained, light soil. And you can add fertilizer directly to the holes. Organic matter will make the soil looser, which the plant likes, and mineral fertilizers will enrich it with nutrients. Also, if the soil in your garden has an acidic reaction, neutralize it with appropriate means, such as lime.

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