Potatoes are a staple of the American diet, and as such, many people want to grow them. Not only are they a great source of carbs for your self-sufficient garden, but they are fairly quick growing and plentiful.
However, there are some fatal mistakes a new gardener can make which will limit the potential of their crop. Here are 4 secrets to growing an abundant supply of potatoes in your backyard
4 Secrets To Growing Potatoes
Plant The Full Potato
While many people chop up their potatoes to plant them, you don’t need to. AND, you might get more potatoes if you don’t! Your single potato is perfectly capable of growing multiple plants, and potatoes don’t really care about being crowded.
So, by planting the full potato, you could potentially grow more potatoes in a smaller amount of space, increasing your yield. It’s a good tip to try if you are trying to grow a good amount of food in a small backyard.
Choose A Variety That Works For Your Region
Not every plant is the right choice for every garden. Your region plays a big part in how successful your garden will be and learning to work with it rather than against it will give you less headaches and a lot more potatoes.
For example, in the damn Pacific North West Yukon Gems or Dark Red Norland potatoes will be a better pick. However, in drought prone areas like the South West, Adirondack Blues or Reba potatoes will be great choices.
Feed Them A LOT
Potatoes are extremely nutrient hungry. If your potatoes are looking a little shrimpy, then it’s likely that you are simply not feeding your plants enough. If there’s not enough nutrients to go around, then the tubers will suffer and you’ll have a disappointing harvest.
You can sprinkle some trifecta plus into your garden beds or purchase a high-quality nutrient product like Grow Big, if you are working hydroponics system vs soil-based garden beds.
PS. If your plants are looking sad, small and droopy, your potatoes will be the same. Focus on growing a super healthy and large plant, and growth will then be funneled into the tubers.
Loose Soil Is Key
Potatoes are tubers, and the tubers are actually the root of the plant. While feeding your potato plants a steady supply of nutrients means bigger plant growth, your potatoes could still be small if your soil is packed too tight.
Loose soil allows for more root growth, and….. bigger potatoes!
In closing, growing potatoes can be a challenge initially, but if you take the time to learn a few key tactics – you can have a successful harvest!
PS. Not sure when to harvest your potatoes? Check out this guide for knowing when your potato plants are ready to harvest from your backyard garden!
Bob learned about farming from his grand dad. So, the decision to leave the city and start homesteading was not a difficult transition. He now lives with his wife and two kids on their 30 acre property in Ohio.
