Everything you need to know about Planting, Growing and Harvesting Potatoes in your Home Vegetable Garden

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved vegetables in the world. Think of delicious dishes such as crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, and baked potatoes with rosemary. The good news is that potatoes are relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for novice gardeners and experienced vegetable gardeners alike. Plus, it's a great project to do with kids! In this blog post we discuss everything you need to know about planting, growing and harvesting potatoes.

Seed potatoes or kitchen cupboard sprouts?

You can choose to buy seed potatoes at a garden center, but did you know that the potatoes that are starting to sprout in your kitchen cupboard are also suitable for planting? Seed potatoes generally give better results because they are specially bred to resist diseases and deliver a higher yield.

Popular Potato Varieties for your Vegetable Garden

There are many different types of potatoes you can plant. Here are some popular choices:

• Bintje: A versatile potato that is perfect for fries, mashed potatoes and baking.
• Nicola: Known for its creamy texture, ideal for salads and cooking.
• Charlotte: A waxy potato, great for salads and roasting.
• Desiree: A red-skinned potato that is resistant to diseases and suitable for various preparations.

How and When to Plant

Time: Plant potatoes in early spring, once the risk of frost has passed. This is usually between March and April.

Space: Ensure there is sufficient space between the potatoes. Plant them about 12 inches apart in rows that are about 2 feet apart.

Soil: Potatoes do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure the soil is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 - 7.0).

Planting depth: Plant the potatoes about 10-15 cm deep. If you are using seed potatoes, plant them with the sprouts up.

Care of Potato Plants

Light: Potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well.

Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and tuber formation. Overwatering can lead to rot, so ensure good drainage.

Earthing up: When the plants are about 20 cm high, earth up the soil around the base of the plant. This helps to protect the potatoes from sunlight, which can lead to green discoloration and toxicity.

Nutrition: Add organic fertilizer to the soil at planting and again during the growing season for best results.

Harvesting Potatoes

Time: Potatoes are usually ready to harvest 10-12 weeks after planting for new potatoes, and 15-20 weeks for mature potatoes.

Signs of Readiness: New potatoes can be harvested when the plants bloom. For mature potatoes, wait until the leaves turn yellow and die.

How to Harvest: Gently dig around the base of the plant to find the potatoes. Use a fork or your hands to avoid damaging the potatoes.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store harvested potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent them from sprouting or turning green.
• Disease Control: Keep an eye out for signs of potato diseases such as Phytophthora and remove infected plants immediately.
• Rotation: Do not plant potatoes in the same spot year after year to avoid soil depletion and disease. Alternate the crops with beans or carrots, for example.

Growing your own potatoes is not only fun but also a valuable experience for the whole family. For more tips and inspiration for a successful vegetable garden, read our previous blog post ' The Growing Season has Started: Benefits of Your Own Vegetable Garden '. Have fun and good luck with gardening!