How to Grow Potatoes? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Techniques

Before planting potatoes, put the seed potatoes in indirect light half a month in advance to sprout. Once sprouts appear, cut them into small pieces with a knife, then sow them at a spacing of 25cm between plants and 30cm between rows in furrows 15cm deep, and finally cover with a layer of manure, sprinkle a little urea, and cover with soil. When cutting, each piece of potato must have two to three sprout points, so as to increase the germination rate.

What are the precautions for growing potatoes?

1. Time

The climate difference between northern and southern China is relatively large, so the time for planting potatoes also varies to some extent, but it is generally planted in the autumn and winter of each year, that is, around October to December. However, with current planting techniques and technological development, many places can basically plant them all year round. Still, judging from the growth habits of potatoes, it is best to sow early at the right time, otherwise it will affect the growth and development of the potatoes.

2. Sprouting

About half a month before sowing, we need to place the selected seed potatoes in a place with some light for sprouting. Avoid direct sunlight, and keep the temperature of the sprouting area at around 15-20 degrees. If there is a cellar, they can be placed directly in the cellar for sprouting, because the temperature in the cellar is relatively higher. The sprouted points are best around 0.2cm, and must not exceed 0.5cm, otherwise the sprout points are easily damaged when cutting.

3. Cutting

Cutting potatoes is not done randomly. We must ensure that each piece of potato has two to three sprout points, so as to ensure its emergence rate. Generally, we cut them the day before sowing. When conditions allow, one potato should be cut into no more than four pieces at most, while also ensuring that the sprout points of the potato are not damaged, and disinfecting with alcohol.

4. Sowing

The main things to pay attention to when sowing are the planting depth and planting density of the potato pieces. Generally, the planting depth is best around 15cm. With the sprout points facing upward, plant the potato pieces at an interval of 60-70cm per row and 25-30cm per plant, then cover with a thin layer of soil, and at the same time cover with a layer of agricultural plastic film on top to keep warm and promote sprouting.

5. Temperature

Potatoes have requirements for growing temperature. The most suitable temperature for potato growth is between 15-20 degrees, and they can generally sprout and grow normally at around 5-8 degrees. However, the temperature for the growth of potato stems and leaves and the flowering period generally needs to reach between 18-25 degrees, and the nighttime temperature also needs to be around 12-15 degrees. The temperature difference between day and night should not be too large, so we need to have a general understanding of the field temperature and carry out scientific management.

6. Fertilizer and Water

The fertilizer most needed for potato growth is potassium fertilizer, then nitrogen fertilizer, and finally phosphorus fertilizer. However, before applying chemical fertilizers, it is best to first apply some farmyard manure or organic fertilizer, so that the soil's moisture retention and fertilizer retention effects as well as the soil structure can be improved to a certain extent, thereby promoting potato growth. At the same time, we should pay attention to water management. Potatoes need a large amount of water during their growth period and flowering period, but the water should not be too much, otherwise it will cause soil compaction, thereby affecting the growth of the underground tubers of the potatoes.

7. Hilling

During the growth of potatoes, hilling and loosening the soil are very important. Because their tubers need to expand, the underground soil must be relatively loose, and the soil permeability must be relatively good, while its ability to absorb nutrients must be relatively strong. Therefore, at least 4-5 times of hilling and loosening the soil are needed throughout its growth period. Only then will the planted potato tubers be relatively plump.

The above is the relevant introduction on how to grow potatoes. We hope it is helpful to everyone.